Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical strain and lumbar strain due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA opinions. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial increased rating for back disability due to withdrawal. The right sciatica and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, but dismissed the appeals related to other conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as effective dates for certain conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and records to address deficiencies in prior examinations.

The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for the period beginning May 25, 2021.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent prior to December 2, 2019. A higher rating for this condition is denied. The right knee PFPS remains rated at 10 percent. Prior to September 1, 2020, a TDIU was granted based on service-connected disabilities; however, as of that date, the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for a low back disability and has remanded the issue of special monthly compensation (SMC). The Veteran's representative withdrew his appeal of the increased rating claim, but the SMC issue remains on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorders, and bilateral hand disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection. The Veteran's lay testimony will be considered along with his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board granted a 20% rating for radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve prior to April 6, 2022, and a 40% rating beginning April 6, 2022. It also granted a TDIU effective January 4, 2024.

The Board has granted service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to environmental factors during active military service. Service connection was also granted for a bilateral hip condition, but this issue is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development, including a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine range of motion and functional ability over time.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. Further development is needed as the VA opinions provided are inadequate.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, increased ratings, and service connection for various conditions, except for sleep apnea which was granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the thoracolumbar spine disability and denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and she meets the requirements for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. The TDIU is granted based on the combined 100 percent rating of all service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of such assistance.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with muscular pain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.,The Board has also granted service connection for right hip strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS, ulcerative colitis, hiatal hernia, and surgical scars are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.