Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 2, 2008 onwards. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a schedular TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence supports the readjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, which was previously denied. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is now granted as it is at least in equipoise with his contention that he incurred this condition during his military service.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of May 8, 2008 for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits due to service-connected disabilities.,The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 29, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar bulging discs L3 to S1 levels and denied service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the extremities (bilateral upper and lower extremities), bilateral hip trochanteric bursitis, and bilateral patellofemoral syndrome with joint osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to adjudicate the issue of entitlement to a TDIU from August 21, 2008, to February 24, 2012, including on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar spine and neck disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's lower back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for upper back and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew their appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc changes of the lumbar spine, is related to his active military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his lumbosacral strain and whether he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being remanded for a determination on whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for a lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating, and the criteria for a higher rating under IVDS were not met.

The claim of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine strain with bilateral sacroiliitis is granted. The issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disability, arthritis of the left hip, and arthritis of the right hip are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination, and another examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's upper back condition is related to her service-connected encephalitis residuals.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate rationale in previous VA medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and medical opinions to address his spine disabilities, including cervical and thoracolumbar conditions, as well as his left shoulder disability. The claims are being returned due to incomplete or insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and neck disability, finding that there is at least an even balance of evidence to support these claims due to the Veteran's competent and credible lay statements regarding his in-service injury and continuity of symptoms since discharge.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his service. The Veteran contends that his current back condition is related to incidents during active service, including carrying heavy gear and sustaining injuries from falls and IED blasts.