Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and therefore denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records to determine the severity of her service-connected conditions and to clarify her claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease, is found to be at least as likely as not related to her active duty service.,The Veteran has also provided credible testimony and supporting evidence from her spouse, a combat medic, indicating recurrent back pain since service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, cervical disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, and right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis. These conditions are related to the Veteran's Reserve service duties.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and lumbar spine disability. The Board also finds that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating effective September 6, 2007.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to pancreatic and colon cancer, which were not service-connected. The appellant did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability and is remanding the case to further develop evidence related to this condition. The cervical spine issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of signed consent forms for ECT treatments provided from November 29, 2006 to December 11, 2006. The Veteran is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for any additional disabilities caused by these treatments.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back condition, effective from July 17, 2012, is granted. He was previously rated at 20 percent prior to this date.,For the period prior to July 17, 2012, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected back condition is granted, and he is now rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back disability and associated bladder disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sinusitis, asthma, scar of the lumbar spine, and residuals of a breast lumpectomy, have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance. She also has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need. Additionally, she is eligible for specially adapted housing due to her permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for a back disorder. The AOJ should ensure the Notice of Disagreement regarding the November 2013 denial of service connection for a back disorder is associated with his file and provide him with a Statement of the Case if he wishes to appeal this issue.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent disabling, and the Board found that this rating is appropriate based on his current range of motion and symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip radiculopathy and low back degenerative disc disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA opinion regarding the relationship between his current low back disorder and his period of active service. The claims for secondary service connection will also be readjudicated following completion of this development.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial evaluation and earlier effective date for a service-connected low back disability was denied. The Veteran is currently in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for the condition, effective October 17, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar degenerative disc disease, is etiologically related to a fall incurred during his period of ACDUTRA in August 1963. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and consideration of the Veteran's reported symptoms in-service. The case will be returned for a new VA examination.