Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, effective January 2, 2011. The appellant is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate prior to May [REDACTED], 2011.

The Board has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially in causing his death due to metastatic prostate cancer. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including those pertaining to the evaluation of spine and foot conditions, service connection for hip replacements, pes planus, arthritis, PTSD, and residuals of syphilis. The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disability and remanded it for further development. The decision on the sleep apnea secondary to PTSD issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for his requested hearing before the Board. The case will be processed in accordance with standard appellate procedure after rescheduling the hearing.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, acid reflux, and headaches. The evidence submitted is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to obtain additional medical records and an addendum to a previous VA opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and service personnel records.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to May 28, 2015 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent from May 28, 2015.

The Board finds the Veteran has a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity sciatica that are secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder. The Veteran's altered gait due to his right knee disability caused or contributed to his current lumbar spine and sciatica disabilities.

The Board has determined that service connection for hypertension is not warranted because the evidence does not show a link between the Veteran's active duty and current symptoms. Service connection for a lower back disorder was also denied due to lack of a current disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating.,There is no service connection for a left shoulder disability or low back disability. The Veteran's bilateral hand disability and eye disabilities are not service connected.,Hypertension and prostate disability have been denied as well.,The Veteran's tremors of the hands, lips, and mouth were also not granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not service connected, as there was no evidence showing a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The preponderance of the probative evidence supports this conclusion.

The Board denied service connection for depression and a back disorder, both of which are claimed to be related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The decision did not address any secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran was awarded special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance in December 2003, effective May 28, 2003. The appellant seeks accrued benefits for this increased monetary benefit but it has been determined that the payment was made.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spondylosis is being remanded due to inadequate development of the evidence, particularly regarding range of motion and functional loss.

The Veteran's low back degenerative changes are currently evaluated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not show that his forward flexion is limited to 30 degrees or less. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation counseling records and ensuring that the TDIU claim is properly addressed. The issue of an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability will also be remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, right lower extremity neurological, and right hip disabilities are caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,Your current lumbar spine, right lower extremity neurological, and right hip disabilities were caused by your service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and hemorrhoids, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.