Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and back disabilities, both related to a service-connected left knee disability, are remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The issues will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent from October 13, 2020, and thereafter. The Board has granted a TDIU effective August 27, 2021.,Effective August 27, 2021, the Veteran also received special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a shortening of the right leg, right hip disability, and back disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.,However, these claims are still being remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine the etiology of the conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability and back disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's initial rating for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (lumbar spine condition) was granted at a 40 percent rating from October 18, 2016. The issue remains on appeal as the effective date is not yet determined.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative changes of the spine, lumbar and cervical due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and bilateral hip conditions are not related to her service-connected bilateral knee disability.,Therefore, these claims for secondary service connection must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee and tinea versicolor, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2008. As of that date, his combined disability rating was at least 40%, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ankle, back, and right leg disabilities due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a new VA examination. The case will be considered further based on the results of this development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it had its onset during his military service and is related to his in-service duties.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain, right lumbar radiculopathy, tinnitus, and hearing loss, significantly impacted his ability to work starting from July 11, 2016. The Board granted TDIU effective that date.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, finding that these conditions began in service and have continued since then.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and bilateral hearing loss, but has remanded both issues for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, and right lower extremity radiculopathy) meet the criteria for a TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various knee and hip replacements due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 40 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine is granted. The claims for higher ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.