Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 29, 2008. The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for further action including referral of the claim to VA's Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including blindness and multiple musculoskeletal issues, meet the criteria for specially adapted housing/home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease caused from the residuals of a neck injury has been reopened, but it remains denied.,Service connection for tinnitus was not established as related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records, outstanding VA treatment records and SSA records, and a need for clarification on the nature of any current lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted due to exposure to herbicides during active duty. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for the left lower extremity disabilities are pending.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Veteran's current address and any ongoing VA treatment. The claim will be returned to the Board after this information has been verified.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it. The Veteran reported experiencing tinnitus since service, which he attributes to his exposure to noise in service as an indirect fire infantryman.,Service connection was also granted for low back disability. The Veteran reported having constant ringing in his ears since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability must be remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as she withdrew her appeal.,There is no evidence of a perforation of the right eardrum (tympanic membrane) or carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity during or since her military service. Therefore, these claims are denied.,The Veteran does not have residuals of a cervical strain that can be attributed to her military service.,There is no evidence showing that the Veteran's pre-existing lumbar spine disorder was aggravated by her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of the Veteran's back disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes to the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to service. The decision is based on a combination of the Veteran's reported symptoms during and after military service, as well as medical evidence from VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic lumbosacral strain and cervical spine disability, have rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal, indicating she is satisfied with the decision made and wants to withdraw any remaining issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, is not related to his service. The claim for service connection for an acquired back disorder must be denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining unit training records and updated medical records. The increased rating claim for his thoracolumbar back disability will also be addressed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.