Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, conduct new examinations for his service-connected disabilities, and determine the etiology of any diabetes mellitus. The TDIU claim will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected thoracolumbar herniated disc and sprain with intervertebral disc syndrome remains before the Board. The RO granted a higher, 20 percent rating in March 2013 but did not grant the full benefit sought. The Veteran testified that his disability had worsened since his last VA examination, and he should be afforded a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including consideration of service treatment records and additional evidence submitted by the Veteran. The examiner should also assess whether the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities permanently aggravated his lumbar spine condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain additional medical records and personnel records, as well as to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive examination. The claims for service connection will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability and remanded the downstream service connection claim. The new evidence received since the June 1995 rating decision tends to show that the Veteran has a current low back disability related to injuries in service, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection, and the Board finds that he is entitled to this benefit based on his combat experience in Korea. The low back disability and TDIU issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities, and the claim for service connection for depression has been granted with a rating of 70 percent effective from March 7, 2011. The appellant is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and thoracolumbar spine arthritis were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine disability, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines, mood disorder, back condition, and right ankle condition meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating and she is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disorder and lung disorder (including asthma and COPD) have been granted service connection, with the effective date being January 4, 2011 for the cervical spine strain and January 24, 2011 for the left upper extremity radiculopathy. The rating assigned is 20 percent for the cervical spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical records and examination, particularly related to treatment in 2000.

Your claims for service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted, effective as of May 31, 2007. The appeal is dismissed as the issues are no longer in dispute.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development to include a request for updated VA medical treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are related to his active military service, granting his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, including difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships. The VA assigned a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD as of June 21, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability and did not address the claim for an effective date earlier than December 16, 2004 for upper back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the presence of bladder impairment associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability, which could potentially affect his current rating.