Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to June 26, 2018 is remanded. The Board finds that an additional remand is necessary in order to further develop the Veteran's claim for TDIU for the period prior to June 26, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spondylosis and has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of his claims.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and granted special monthly compensation based on 'statutory housebound' status under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his skin condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided, specifically regarding the severity and functional loss of the Veteran's coccyx fracture residuals with lumbar spine conditions. The VA examiner is requested to provide additional information on these matters.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his level of education and prior employment history. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of relevant medical articles. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to service, but further evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right knee tendinitis (limitation of flexion), and lumbar strain due to inadequate examinations. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for an acquired mental health disorder (including PTSD and insomnia disorder) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for bilateral blepharitis is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a headache disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, tinnitus, and headache disorder due to the lack of evidence showing onset or continuity of symptoms during service.,There is no credible evidence linking current disabilities with service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, service connection for bilateral glaucoma (claimed as eye strain), and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was restored to a prior rating of 20 percent. Separate ratings of 60 percent for the left lower extremity and 40 percent for the right lower extremity were granted effective April 23, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (arthritis) was also denied, with the current evaluation of 20% continuing due to recent improvement in condition.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis was denied. The Board also granted TDIU prior to December 10, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases for a statement of the case addressing the issues of service connection for chest injury residuals and back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that his current condition is related to his period of active-duty service.