Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating, service connection for breathing problems and RLE neuropathy, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) opinion.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was correctly calculated by the RO in May 2022, resulting in a 43 percent rating. The Board finds that this calculation is correct and denies the claim for a higher combined rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal conditions are granted. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that his condition was consistent with no higher than a 20 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's left knee disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with intervertebral disc syndrome has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's current low back condition, including mid and upper back issues, is related to an in-service injury. Service connection for this disability has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of clarity regarding his service periods. The Veteran will need medical examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disability and back disability need further examination to determine their nature and etiology, as well as their current severity. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition but has remanded the right hand skin condition issue due to inadequate examination and procedural errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including rating and effective date determinations. The case is returned for further action based on additional records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left hip, left shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, which may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected. The claims for psychiatric disability, right shoulder, left wrist, and low back disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are granted effective May 6, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his thoracic and lumbar degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, and spinal stenosis was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, left ankle sprain and closed fracture of lateral malleolus, and right ankle sprain were denied. The rating decision assigned a 40% evaluation for the lumbar spine condition.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating more than 40 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and tinnitus, need further development due to a lack of an informal DRO telephone conference. The Veteran is requested to schedule an informal DRO hearing.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 40% evaluation prior to August 10, 2020. The appeal for an increased rating beyond this point is denied.