Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the use of his lumbosacral back brace and its impact on his clothing. Additional evidence, including treatment records from the Dallas VA Medical Center, must be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. Depression is considered part of the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's service as a paratrooper and his history of back pain. The claim will be reconsidered with an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether her right hip condition and back condition have been aggravated by her service-connected left hip disability.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and plantar callus and bone spur of the left foot are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when combined, meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as they preclude obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent from April 30, 2008 to October 6, 2013 and from February 1, 2014. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met during this period. However, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, he was granted an extraschedular TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because his history of colon cancer, which is not considered a service-connected condition, precludes him from being in 'good health' as defined by VA standards.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and back disability. The criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as a result of service-connected disabilities have also not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine injury is not related to his service and denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disorder, hearing loss, and eye disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues have therefore been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbar strain with lumbar discopathy, myospasms, and scoliosis as well as bilateral chondromalacia patella.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of his right or left knee condition, back disability, and neck disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's right hip disability was reduced from 20% to 10%, effective January 15, 2013. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40%. The fibromyalgia and insomnia are separately rated.,A TDIU was granted effective July 20, 2011.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back injury. The claims for right index finger injury residuals and right index finger scar were also denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating. The Board finds that he does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms and functional impairment.