Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issue regarding service connection for a low back condition before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not unemployable prior to June 5, 2023. The combined rating of his service-connected conditions does not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Bipolar Disorder and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome with Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracolumbar Spine, have rendered him totally occupationally impaired. The Board denied his request for VR&E benefits to pursue a Doctorate degree in either Business Administration or Psychology.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending appeals and confirmed the withdrawal at the May 2024 Board hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for low back disability due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active-duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left hip disability, and right hip disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for kidney disorder, neck disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), thyroid disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, left ankle disorder, and low back disorder as part of a previously pending appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was denied. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for urethritis was granted at 40%.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's current condition had its onset during service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and implementation of a service connection decision.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including a right ankle fracture rating claim and service connection for various conditions. The Veteran will need to provide new evidence within 90 days of his scheduled hearing date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee strain and left knee strain.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, headache disorder, lower back disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all remanded due to inadequate examinations and development.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that her disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lumbar strain, and PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of her hearing request and appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition, finding that it is related to her service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance due to her inability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and getting into and out of bed.