Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The claim for an increased rating for the lumbar spine disorder is granted, but only up until January 12, 2021 and thereafter at 60 percent. The effective date for the increased rating of major depressive disorder is denied. The claims for severance of service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are both granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome cervical spine, degenerative arthritis and related issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Specifically, the Board is requesting an opinion on whether the Veteran's cervical spine condition was aggravated by his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for anemia (unspecified) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7720.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, back condition, and tinnitus were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at a 50 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's back disability remains remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's back brace was found to cause wear and tear on his clothing, leading to a grant of a clothing allowance for the year 2020. However, the ankle braces and shoe inserts were not considered outer garments, thus denying a clothing allowance for these items.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors. The issues include back, knee, and hand disabilities as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for colon rectal cancer, parastomal hernia, prostate cancer, stomach pain, and lumbar spine pain. The evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or any other in-service event.

The Veteran's disability ratings for PTSD and lumbosacral strain were restored to their previous levels.,The Veteran's entitlement to SMC was restored based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were previously decided in a September 2021 rating decision, appealed to the Board in November 2021, and adjudicated by the Board in an October 29, 2024, decision. The appeal of these issues is dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability (degenerative arthritis of the spine), right knee condition, right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and left shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is granted a 40% rating, but no higher. The ratings for left hip strain (limitation of flexion) and right hip strain (limitation of extension) are denied. Right lateral collateral ligament sprain remains remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected right eye disability, low back pain, and related conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. He is also in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran seeks service connection for these conditions, which are related to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back condition, finding that it had its onset during active duty and is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with lumbosacral strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to IVDS with lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to IVDS with lumbosacral strain, and left hip impingement syndrome. Service connection for right thumb digital nerve lesion is also granted. The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left or right lower extremity nerve damage disabilities, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a back condition and right knee condition due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted with a rating of 10%.,Effective February 28, 2013, the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are each granted with a rating of 10%. The effective date for erectile dysfunction is also set at this time.,The Veteran's spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis secondary to right hip bursitis with limitation of adduction is granted. An initial 70% rating was assigned for the service-connected psychiatric disorder (PTSD).,SMC(k) and SMC(s)(1) are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 21, 2003, for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease/spondylosis due to clear and unmistakable error in the July 2009 rating decision was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 21, 2016, for service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with stent placement and valvular heart disease was denied.,Initial compensable ratings for peripheral vascular disease (PVD), right lower extremity (RLE), and left lower extremity (LLE), were denied.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as their associated radiculopathy, have been granted service connection.,A TDIU is also remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis, left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation. The Veteran is also seeking increased ratings for these conditions.