Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.,Service connection is also granted for left lower extremity neurological disability (lumbar radiculopathy).,The claim for right lower extremity neurological disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and right foot disorders, finding that these conditions were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability and for TDIU due to issues with the adequacy of the December 2019 VA examination report.

The Veteran's back brace for his service-connected lumbar strain with IVDS causes wear and tear to his clothing, warranting an annual VA clothing allowance for 2012.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected back disability. An effective date of September 16, 2004 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatica associated with lumbar spine hemilaminectomy residuals is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, right hip disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and gynecological disorder due to incomplete records and inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's back disability was denied increased ratings prior to June 23, 2022 and from June 23, 2022.,Increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied prior to June 23, 2022 and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied from July 23, 2022.,The Veteran's back disability remains on appeal as the maximum allowed rating under the schedular code has not been granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected. The back disability, bilateral knee disabilities (right and left knees), and left shoulder disability are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's low back and neck disabilities were granted increased ratings of 40% and 20%, respectively, effective from November 7, 2011. The decision also granted a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Board has denied service connection for low back disability, eye disability for VA compensation purposes, and loss of feeling in the feet and hands as these conditions are not shown to be related to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for depression and TDIU prior to October 11, 2016 are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration of extraschedular criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include his cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, back disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability and right knee instability due to outstanding records and new evidence added to the file.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper back condition, left knee condition, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.,There is no evidence of a direct relationship between any of these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, a low back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to procedural errors in obtaining medical opinions and treatment records.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during or be related to military service.

The Veteran's appeals for compensable ratings for painful scar, midline lumbar region and scar, midline lumbar region have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's scars and back disability are granted with a 10% rating, but no higher. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's back disability.