Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination report and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar spine muscle strain disability needs to be reassessed with an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine disability, left lower radiculopathy, tinnitus, right lower radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss, precluded him from obtaining or maintaining any substantially gainful employment consistent with his education, background, and work history prior to May 15, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and tinnitus as the evidence did not support an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of disability ratings for lumbar spondylosis and herniated disc, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy was improper. The appeal is granted in part as the original disability ratings are restored. Additionally, the claim for service connection for OSA has been denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of current disability severity and a need for a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which include musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including whether it is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain and left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder does not require the care or assistance of another on a regular basis, and he is not housebound due to his service-connected disability. Therefore, entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is only 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for back disorders is reopened, but the appeal remains remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and arthritis, finding that the Veteran did not have an in-service injury or disease related to his current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder (secondary to service-connected disabilities). Service connection was denied for lumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disorders are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine functionally limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks.,The Veteran's knee disabilities have not been evaluated based on specific service connection theory as they are rated under general rating criteria for musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was reopened and granted, but his claim for hearing loss remains pending.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted. Service connection for hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he needs assistance with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, managing his medications, attending to the wants of nature, keeping himself clean and presentable, and protecting himself from hazards.