Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the Board found that he did not provide good cause.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating of chronic gastritis with gas bloat syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the onset and severity of his conditions. The VA is instructed to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing these issues.

Service connection for thoracolumbar strain (low back disability) and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted. Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's back disability from September 16, 2008 to June 19, 2018. The decision finds that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's disability picture approximated a level of limitation consistent with forward flexion limited to less than 30 degrees during this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder to obtain additional medical opinions that address the Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for rectal bleeding and polyps, finding that the condition clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by it. The other claims were remanded for further development.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted. The claims for increased ratings of lumbar IVDS and associated lower extremity radicular disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim of service connection for a LEFT shoulder disorder and cervical spine disorder, as well as the denial of SMC at the K-rate on account of 'loss of use' of the LEFT foot.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance due to lack of permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection for gynecomastia of the right breast, lumbar scoliosis, and deviated nasal septum as they have been fully resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded. His claims of service connection for left hip, low back, and left lower extremity nerve disorders are also pending before the Board.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The VA examiner's opinions are inadequate, and an addendum medical opinion is needed.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a back disability, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome is related to active duty service.,The evidence of record persuasively demonstrates that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is caused and/or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's left hip condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating remains denied.,The Veteran's right wrist condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating remains denied. The Veteran also seeks service connection for left knee pain secondary to his left hip condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, right knee, left knee, left shoulder, low back, and upper back conditions due to insufficient evidence on record.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition on a direct basis, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.