Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, with two disabilities rated at least 40 percent. His service-connected disabilities prevent him from following or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's low back disability, including arthritis and spondylolisthesis, is granted as service connected due to continuity of symptoms since service. The Board found a nexus between the current condition and his in-service spinal anesthesia.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected ankle disability.,The Veteran's back disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disorders due to inadequate reasons and bases in previous decisions. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating determinations due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered with these records.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right hip injury is granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to low back, left hip, right hip, left knee, and bilateral nerve conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine condition is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination.

The claim for service connection of the right knee disability was reopened, but the claim for an increased rating of the right ankle disability remains denied.

The Veteran's initial 10% rating for right thumb injury is granted. The Board also remands the issue of service connection for a back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 3, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for a back brace and left knee brace as they do not qualify under VA regulations due to lack of evidence showing wear and tear on her clothing.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD because he did not file a timely appeal or submit new and material evidence within one year after the February 2012 rating decision. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a left ankle disability was denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,Service connection for low back disorder, right ankle disability, sleep disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder were all denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of four fingers on his right hand, lower back condition, left leg/joint condition, and right leg/joint condition. The claim for chemical dependency was reopened but denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, but no higher, effective June 8, 2017. The appeal for initial higher ratings remains in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability are being reviewed again due to inconsistencies in the medical records. For TDIU, updated information about employment status is needed.