Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him functionally unemployable since May 7, 2014.

The Veteran's low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities (right and left), and psychiatric disability are all granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service injury or any other factor.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and left ankle/foot disabilities and her active service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability is remanded, as well as the claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance. The RO will provide an opportunity for additional examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary due to non-compliance with prior directives and in order to address the Veteran's report of difficulty standing up straight during back flare-ups, which may be indicative of ankylosis.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for hernia condition, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for further development, including a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine, bilateral knee, or bilateral hip disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The appeal is denied as there are no additional factors that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, which affect his ability to walk without the aid of assistive devices. The special home adaptation grant claim is moot and dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain missing records and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine, knee, and skin disabilities. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, TDIU, and service connection have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these appeals.

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

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis, LLE sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right leg lumbar radiculopathy are remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to combined service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is seeking higher disability ratings for his lumbar spine disability and LLE femoral radiculopathy, as well as a determination of whether he qualifies for TDIU based on his combined service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions have been granted. Service connection has also been established for PTSD, but the claim is denied. The effective date of service connection for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder remains February 5, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence obtained, including a May 2021 thoracolumbar spine examination and addendums. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is now before the AOJ for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that there was no evidence of onset or continuity of symptoms in service, and thus denied these claims.