Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, which is granted as special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is granted, and the appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and radiculopathies, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran is to be provided another opportunity for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's stomach ulcers were granted service connection as they are considered to have been incurred in service, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development due to errors in the previous rating decision, including an inadequate VA examination and mischaracterization of a private physical therapy record.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and left leg numbness, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was timely filed, granting his claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with facet arthropathy and a TDIU claim due to inadequate examinations and unclear employment history.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma, diverticulitis, ventral hernia, lumbar strain, tinnitus, and hemorrhoids have not precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disability was received on October 2, 2013. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the earliest possible date of entitlement is October 2, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and lack of compliance with remand instructions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are granted a 30 percent rating, which is the maximum available under DC 8100. The disability picture does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating for various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the claim for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology and service connection.

The claims for higher ratings for mild arthritic changes of the lumbar spine and compensable disability rating for a lumbar spine surgical scar have been dismissed.,A 60% disability rating has been granted for service-connected right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and another 60% disability rating has been granted for service-connected left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis or any other claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for the low back disability. The Veteran's testimony and medical records indicate that her low back pain may have started during service, but further evaluation is needed to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his neck and back disabilities is denied. The Veteran was not granted a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, and the VA adjudicators determined that he did not meet the criteria for increased ratings for his neck and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder, left hip disability, neck disability, and back disability. The issues include rating determinations for these conditions as well as TDIU, SMC, and DEA benefits.