Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for low back disc herniation and degenerative changes, as well as right lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder, left lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder, right lower extremity inguinal nerve disorder, and left lower extremity inguinal nerve disorder. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and right hip strain as due to the Veteran's service-connected right knee osteoarthritis with meniscectomy residuals and status post knee replacement. The Veteran was previously denied increased ratings for his right knee disability, but these claims are now remanded.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for his back disability, and the Board dismissed the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's chronic lumbar spine disability. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current condition was caused or aggravated by her service-connected disabilities, including bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, neck injury with traumatic arthritis, right ankle fracture, and right foot 5th metatarsal fracture.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye condition and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, while remanding multiple other claims related to various disabilities.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as of December 16, 2019, and separate 10 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy associated with the back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his thoracolumbar spine disability with degenerative disc disease (DDD) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and retrospective opinions regarding passive range of motion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar disorders due to incomplete compliance with prior directives. Additional development is needed, including obtaining private treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities, including as secondary to bilateral knee disabilities. The case is being returned due to a failure to comply with prior remand orders regarding obtaining records from Andrews Air Force Base.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since September 25, 2007. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and lack of information regarding the Veteran's employment history, which is necessary for a proper determination of his eligibility for TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if it warrants an increased rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence. The issues are now remanded for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a recurrent thoracolumbar spine disability to obtain additional evidence, including verification of the Veteran's complete periods of active duty and associated medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily personal needs without assistance from others, and the Board grants special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for respiratory complaints, low back condition, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances are dismissed. The appeal for TBI is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic low back pain based on the evidence showing forward flexion limited to 65 degrees and no other significant functional impairment.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, left middle finger strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee pain with functional impairment, and right and left ankle pain with functional impairment. The claims for a left shoulder disability, stomach disability, and an anxiety disorder were denied or remanded.

The appeal for service connection of allergies, bilateral hearing loss, right and left knee pain, low back pain, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.