Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The claims regarding reduction of the disability ratings for low back strain and left knee degenerative joint disease have been dismissed.,The claim regarding reduction of the disability rating for tinea versicolor remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased disability ratings of 30% for tension and migraine headaches, and 20% for a lumbar spine disability have been granted.,Effective February 8, 2019, the Veteran is entitled to the increased disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower lumbar spine disorder and narcolepsy. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted TDIU benefits as of October 16, 2012. He also received SMC based on aid and attendance as of the same date.,An effective date of May 28, 2011, for TDIU benefits was granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been granted a 40% disability rating effective October 26, 2024.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU has already been granted with an effective date of April 25, 2018. The appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbar strain is remanded due to a lack of adequate VA examination and the need for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a case or controversy pending before the Board due to the June 2024 decision addressing all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted service connection, and the claims for knee and shoulder conditions are remanded due to insufficient medical nexus opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, hemifacial spasm right side, and lower back condition and pain as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective October 25, 2016, as he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of your claims. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to decide these matters.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue, GERD, a lower-gastrointestinal disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder (low back), right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, gynecological disorder with infections due to pregnancy, back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, lower back pain (claimed as back condition), and tinnitus due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support an in-service onset or relationship to service.,The Veteran's claims were also denied for secondary service connection of his lower extremity radiculopathies due to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, left toe gout, right toe gout, left knee gout, and right knee gout, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating for a back condition and service connection for sleep apnea, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board denied service connection for lower back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing the conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service. The Veteran's service records did not indicate any complaints or treatment related to these issues.