Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted an effective date of November 4, 2002. The left wrist residuals of fifth metacarpal bone fracture and right elbow limitation of flexion are granted a rating of 40 percent as of April 4, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is etiologically related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to herbicide agents and a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted with an effective date of November 9, 2009. The VA also determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the bilateral knees with right meniscus repair, and trochanteric pain syndrome of the bilateral hips as secondary to service-connected bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied, and his earlier effective date claim for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for asthma with COPD was granted as of September 17, 2021.

The Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right shoulder impingement syndrome with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and limited extension of the left knee have been restored to their original levels effective June 1, 2021.,The restoration of ratings is granted for all three conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the entire rating period.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in the record, including lack of medical opinions and examination reports.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased disability ratings and compensation for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right lower radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to have regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back condition and remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for TMJ disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression.,Service connection is not granted for a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or link to service.

The Board denied service connection for back disorder, allergic rhinitis, erectile dysfunction, bilateral knee disorder, and headaches as there were no current diagnoses or in-service incidents linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various secondary conditions are remanded due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors.

Service connection granted for sinusitis, headache disorder, and back disorder. Dermatophytosis is not service connected.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of sinusitis, headache disorder, and back disorder are presumed due to exposure to burn pits during her military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a prior effective date for the 20% rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome caused wear and tear on his clothing due to a back brace, warranting an annual clothing allowance for 2020.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and the combined disability rating is calculated to be 90 percent due to bilateral factors. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher initial rating or a combined 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU from February 12, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for an updated medical opinion addressing his theory of service connection based on in-service heavy lifting.