Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar IVDS left gluteal numbness and right gluteal numbness are rated at 20 percent each since October 8, 2010. The initial compensable evaluations for the period prior to October 8, 2010, were denied.

The Veteran's lumbar IVDS left gluteal numbness and right gluteal numbness are rated at 20 percent each since October 8, 2010. The initial compensable evaluations for the period prior to October 8, 2010, were denied.

The Veteran's lumbar IVDS left gluteal numbness and right gluteal numbness are rated at 20 percent each since October 8, 2010. The initial compensable evaluations for the period prior to October 8, 2010, were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee total arthroplasty and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 24, 2013, to January 31, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of various conditions, including onychomycosis, sleep disorder, right thumb disability, psychiatric disability (likely posttraumatic stress disorder), pes planus, chest pain, and back disability. The VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for his right and left knee braces, as well as a second allowance for his back brace. The decision stated that the knee braces did not tend to wear out or tear his clothes, and that he was only entitled to one clothing allowance per appliance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing substantially gainful employment prior to December 17, 2014.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disorder, sleep apnea, and right ankle disorder. However, it has denied these claims as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The claim for service connection of the acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the VA has not provided a combined effects opinion on his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and hearing loss are inadequate, necessitating remand for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 4, 2013 to July 22, 2014. A TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision, as well as whether the September 2011 Substantive Appeal was timely. The effective date for any award of compensation remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a hearing request and failure to report.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and right ankle disabilities due to incomplete review of medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right shoulder, right iliotibial band syndrome, and right ankle sprain residuals are service-connected as of May 4, 2009.,Service connection for PTSD was established as of July 6, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right wrist disability, back disability, and left knee disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA records being needed. Additionally, an addendum opinion is required regarding whether these disabilities are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spondylosis with sciatica and traumatic cataracts, finding that the evidence did not support a link to military service.

The Veteran is granted a clothing allowance for 2014 due to the use of a back brace, but the issue of a right knee brace remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.