Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The TDIU claim is being remanded due to its inextricability with other issues, including service connection for PTSD and a back disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional information regarding his employment and educational history.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while his bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are denied.,The Board finds that the evidence is at least in approximate balance for the grant of service connection for tinnitus but denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remands the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various disabilities, including sinusitis, GERD, ankle strain, and low back disability. The remand requires additional development to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine range of motion at prior VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to incomplete medical records and to help the Veteran develop his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine IVDS and DDD, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and muscle pain have been granted a TDIU for the period prior to July 20, 2022. The rating for IVDS with radiculopathy has been denied as it does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded the claim for a low back disorder. The right knee and left knee disabilities are also denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not show forward flexion less than 30 degrees or combined range of motion less than 120 degrees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and his thoracolumbar spine disability and left foot disorder are granted. The remaining issues of service connection for heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and tuberculosis/positive PPD remain remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service symptoms and continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the ameliorative effects of the Veteran's medications on his back disability, and further development is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of examination in conjunction with the medical opinion, and will provide an opportunity for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for myofascial spastic pain disorder was dismissed because the claim was granted in full, with service connection now established for lumbosacral strain associated with degenerative arthritis and myofascial pain syndrome, as well as cervical strain associated with degenerative arthritis and myofascial pain syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active military service. The claim was denied previously due to lack of evidence supporting the claim.

The Veteran's low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and sleep apnea have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the Veteran's low back disability is established as it is related to an in-service injury.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection of migraine and lumbosacral strain were dismissed due to the Veteran's representative requesting their withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no evidence of a disease or injury to the lower back in service and concluding that the current lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to April 10, 2018, for the award of special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The decision found that no formal or informal claim was filed within one year before the receipt of his claim on April 20, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lower back disability and associated radiculopathy, result in loss of use of the lower extremities. The Board grants financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to this condition.