Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD claim was dismissed as the April 2020 rating decision did not constitute a final appealable decision.,Service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with recurrent, moderate MDD (previously insomnia disorder) was granted with an effective date of March 28, 2024.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions warranting a higher rating.,Both lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent. The Board does not find any additional impairment that would justify a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and thoracolumbar strain have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since 2017, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for back and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. A new examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and arthritis, finding that these conditions were present in service and have continued since then.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease, including as secondary to right knee degenerative joint disease. The Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease is considered a 'but-for' cause of his thoracolumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy, bowel incontinence, and bladder incontinence due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a kidney disorder. The claims are being remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, bilateral foot, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.,The Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for a lumbar spine disability is denied, but he receives an initial rating of 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis and IVDS is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran was on Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) or Inactive Duty Training (IDT) during the period when he reported back pain issues. The AOJ is instructed to verify this information and determine if it affects the service connection decisions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 18, 2021, was improper and has restored the prior 20 percent disability rating. The Veteran's appeal also includes a remanded issue regarding entitlement to an increased disability rating for GAD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tension headaches. The initial rating claim for lumbosacral strain remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, tension headaches, and erectile dysfunction must be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The increased rating claim for PTSD is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity muscle condition with muscle atrophy as secondary to the left knee strain. However, the claim for lumbosacral strain remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error prior to the June 2022 decision on appeal and has ordered remand for scheduling a VA examination and obtaining a nexus opinion in relation to the Veteran's lower back service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including independent living assistance, was not properly considered due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The case is being remanded to provide the necessary assessments and determine eligibility for such services.

The Veteran's right thigh disabilities are granted as secondary to service-connected right hip strain. The left thigh, shin splints of the left leg, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination.