Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The reduction of the Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability evaluation from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper due to an inadequate VA examination report, and the 20 percent rating is restored.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ear hearing loss has been denied as his current level of disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for low back disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's National Guard service dates.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have resulted in the permanent loss of use of his feet. The Board granted basic eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of January 19, 2019. The Board found the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as his back condition is not causally or etiologically related to an injury, disease, or incident during service and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and relevant evidence supports the claim. The decision also finds in favor of the Veteran regarding his service connection claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding his left knee condition. The issues of service connection for right knee, back, left hip, and right hip conditions are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for traumatic brain injury and low back osteoarthritis due to a failure to provide a VA examination, as required by McLendon v. Nicholson.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, OSA, and headaches. The appeals for service connection for these conditions are all resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The issues of service connection for radicular pain of the left and right lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right hip degenerative arthritis, left ankle osteoarthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, and lumbosacral spine arthritis. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back pain and radiculopathy, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined rating of 90% for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety was granted. The claims for service connection for lumbar and left foot disabilities were remanded due to the need for additional development.

Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied.,Service connection for lumbar spine arthritis is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder arthritis is denied.,The claim of service connection for left shoulder arthritis has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective July 11, 2018. A TDIU is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to lack of VA examination and medical opinion. The case is returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylolysis of L4 and radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are rated at initial disability ratings, but he contends they are more disabling than reflected by these ratings. The Board has remanded for further examination to assess the severity of his disabilities.,The Veteran also asserts that he is unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities, and a TDIU is being considered.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis and stenosis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service due to continuity of symptomatology.