Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and tension headaches (secondary to asthma), finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and remanded the right hip disability claim. The low back disability claim is now pending, while the right hip disability claim remains denied.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with spondylosis was not manifested by either forward thoracolumbar flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, or by favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for this period is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for right hip disability and low back disability due to inadequacies in previous VA examination reports.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as she withdrew her claims for various conditions and ratings. The VA granted a temporary 100% rating for right knee total replacement, but denied earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar disability necessitated the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims for left arm and right wrist disorders are remanded as VA examinations are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for cause of death. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a VA examiner's opinion on whether the Veteran’s lumbar spine disorder was incurred in service, if it caused or aggravated renal failure, and if it contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those related to the Veteran's right knee disability, back disability, TBI, respiratory disability, headache disability, left forearm scar, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disorder, neck disorder, bilateral foot disorder, right hip disorder, chest disorder, and bilateral foot fungus. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from VA facilities and any private providers.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded due to inadequate examination, and his claims for service connection for respiratory disability (secondary to PTSD) and for TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional private medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection remain pending.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and migraine headaches. The Veteran's low back disorder, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded for further development.,Service connection is not granted for the claimed conditions as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for back condition and left knee. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to the assigned dates have been denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim filed before those dates.,PTSD was granted service connection in January 2013, and an earlier effective date has not been granted due to lack of a diagnosis at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU since June 3, 2009.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 23, 2010 for the Veteran's entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision is based on the fact that the Veteran was entitled to a combined rating of at least 70 percent with a single disability rated at 40 percent or more since December 23, 2010, and his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since that date.

The Veteran's back and left knee disabilities prevent him from obtaining or keeping a gainful job that requires frequent travel or reasonable time on his feet. The Board is unable to make a determination as to whether the Veteran is entitled to TDIU based on the current evidence of record, as the record does not contain earnings information after October 2011.