Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of complete medical records from Dr. P.B., which could affect the determination of service connection for back condition and arthritis.

The Veteran's 100% disability rating for thoracolumbar spine disorder was reduced to 40%, and various benefits were discontinued due to findings of fraud. The reduction is upheld as the evidence supports a finding of fraud.

The Veteran's left forearm disability, including left ulnar nerve impairment, is being remanded for further development due to a lack of VA examination and opinion addressing the relationship between his active duty service and these conditions.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also being remanded for further development as there are no VA examinations or opinions regarding its onset in service.

The Veteran's burn scars and right shoulder scar are not rated as compensable, while the DJD of the lumbar spine is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination based on the Veteran's medical records from Kaiser Permanente.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of current disability related to active duty or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing and following substantially gainful employment, but she was granted a TDIU. However, the SMC at the housebound rate is denied as she does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to March 2, 2021, have been dismissed as the appellant (via his authorized representative) has requested withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several ankle sprains, shin splints, and nerve conditions have been dismissed.,Service connection for TBI has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back condition, service connection for neuropathy of the LLE and RLE associated with his service-connected low back condition, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her back disabilities is remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors and the need for additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Viral labyrinthitis, left knee strain, and lumbar strain are denied as not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is being remanded due to the need to provide qualifications of the VA examiners who conducted the examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to missing private treatment records from Dr. S.M. at South Shore Medical Center, which are necessary for a complete evaluation of the Veteran's condition.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 8, 2019 for service connection of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right wrist sprain, and left wrist sprain. The effective dates are based on the date of receipt of the Veteran's claim within one year after separation from active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diagnoses and their relation to service.

The Veteran's TDIU and a 50% disability rating for major depressive disorder were granted effective November 1, 2017. The Board found that the earlier effective date was warranted based on the receipt of an Intent to File form prior to the actual filing of claims.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for migraines, bilateral pes planus, and low back strain. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a back disability, a bilateral feet disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to incomplete records from his active duty in the United States Army.