Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's chronic headaches are characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50% rating.

The Veteran's left heel scar, tinnitus, back disorder, varicose veins, and bilateral leg disorder have been granted service connection. The left heel scar is rated at 10 percent. Tinnitus has been found to be related to active duty service. Service connection for the back disorder, varicose veins, and bilateral leg disorder has not been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic low back pain is causally related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support service connection for upper respiratory disease, gastritis as secondary to upper respiratory disease, or right hip condition. Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was not addressed due to a withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the extent of his lumbar spine disability, including during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a fracture of the left little finger, and the current disability requirement was not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and procedural due process, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and back disability are not related to service, and as such, denied his claims for service connection. The secondary service connection claim for depression is moot due to lack of established service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The new and material evidence claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability, which may be associated with service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition, bilateral leg condition, and bilateral heel condition are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not attributable to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disability.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for additional disabilities resulting from a cervical diskectomy and fusion performed in 2008. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining an opinion on the proximate cause of any additional disability, is necessary.

The Veteran's use of his VA-issued back brace caused irreparable damage to clothing, and the Board finds that this warrants a clothing allowance for the 2013 benefit year.

The Veteran's headaches cause less than one prostrating attack every two months, and the Board finds that the criteria for an initial compensable rating are not met. The issue of service connection for a low back condition is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is caused by his service-connected right knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his left hip disability is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew this claim. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for bilateral foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis and right foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis.