Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including left ankle, knee, shoulder, low back, foot hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, IBS, and migraine headaches, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar, left knee, right knee, and skin disabilities due to incomplete information in the records and the need for further examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, left hip disability, and urinary tract infections due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after a March 2017 supplemental statement of the case. The issues include increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bowel incontinence, and urinary incontinence.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder injury, back condition, bilateral knee injury, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (claimed as prostate problem).,There is no evidence of any in-service disease, injury, or event that would support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lower back strain with mild degenerative disc disease was denied. The current disability level does not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, right shoulder and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected conditions.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his lumbar spine disability prior to December 23, 2013, and in excess of 40% disabling thereafter will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including right wrist disorder, right wrist cyst, left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, low back disorder, and sleep apnea. The decision is based on the absence of evidence showing a current disability or any link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service back pain and falls.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations, and a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for new VA examinations, as the previous ones were not conducted at the correct address and no adequate notice was provided.

The Board has denied service connection for bubonic plague, back disorder, and skin disorder. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and shin splints, as well as left knee patellofemoral syndrome and shin splints. The Veteran's current conditions are considered to be related to her military service.,Service connection was denied for the Veteran's left wrist disability, low back disability, and sinusitis (also claimed as rhinitis and upper respiratory allergies).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and needs further evaluation of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. The back disability claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for low back pain, enlarged heart, migraine headaches, and pes planus have been granted.