Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back condition, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy due to deficiencies in the VA examination reports. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again with additional opinions on their etiology.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated employment information. The Board acknowledges that he has been employed as an Uber driver, but needs more details on his work history and income.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a compensable rating for her right little finger disability, a temporary total rating for convalescence post-inguinal hernia surgery, and service connection for a back disability related to Gulf War Syndrome. The skin disorder claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ear disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral pes planus, nonservice-connected disability pension, and TDIU were denied. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his meniscal disability was granted with specific time periods.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent from May 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015, and from January 1, 2016 forward. The issues of increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran's back brace, which is used in conjunction with his service-connected lumbar spine disability, tends to wear and tear his clothing. The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the 2016 calendar year due to this issue.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating, but the right hip disability claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for a right shoulder condition, an increased rating for lumbar spine disability, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine (neck) disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's current conditions are considered to be at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability and a low back disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during or are related to service. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anemia, tinnitus, headache disorder (including migraines), mitral valve prolapse, and lower back disorder are not related to her active service. The claims for these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma as it was not shown to be related to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, but only effective from July 26, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral back strain, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a current disability and its relationship to service.,The Board also denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, noting there was no current diagnosis in the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with lumbar spondylosis and radiculopathy was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in February 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's back condition is related to her military service. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if her current back condition had its onset during active duty or is causally related to any in-service event, disease, or injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include right knee, left knee, low back, right shoulder, psychiatric (depression), post cataract removal right eye disability, and alopecia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The issues of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are also remanded as they may be impacted by the outcome of the left knee condition claim.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and ratings were dismissed.,Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities.