Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for various conditions and remanded them for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50% evaluation prior to January 4, 2016. The appeal for an evaluation greater than 50% since January 4, 2016, and the TDIU claim are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development, including obtaining a VA podiatrist's opinion regarding the Veteran's foot disabilities and whether they are related to service. The low back disability claim is also deferred until any relevant opinions on the foot disabilities are obtained.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS are rated at 20 percent effective May 31, 2016. The LEFT lower extremity radiculopathy is denied.

Service connection is granted for chronic back pain and chronic neck pain. The remaining claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for lumbosacral strain (claimed as lower back pain) is granted because there is evidence of a current disability, in-service aggravation, and a causal relationship between the two.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Service connection for an unspecified adjustment disorder was granted, but the claims for left foot, right foot, right ankle, and low back disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar scars have all been granted effective as of March 14, 2023.,However, the Veteran's initial compensable rating for his lumbar scars remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left knee strain, lumbar spine intervertebral disk degeneration with arthritis, and sciatic radiculopathy have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since April 20, 2021. As a result, the Board has granted an effective date of April 20, 2021 for TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and (r)(1) as of September 28, 2021 due to service-connected disabilities resulting in need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected PTSD and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence supports a causal relationship between these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by his right knee condition.

The Veteran's nerve condition of the bilateral lower extremities, claimed as radiculopathy, is granted.,The Veteran's sleep apnea and back condition are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for colon polyps and residuals from sigmoid colon resection, bilateral foot disorders, and a low back disorder are all granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, neck disability, bilateral eye disability, and right knee disability due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.,The Veteran's motion to revise the November 21, 2017 Statement of the Case that denied service connection for a low back disorder based on clear and unmistakable error is also remanded.

The Veteran is granted higher levels of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at rates based on loss of use of both hands and need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the Veteran filed a concurrent request for higher-level review and a Board appeal, which is not allowed under VA regulations.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection awards of PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbosacral strain, tension headaches, status-post left inguinal herniorrhaphy, costochondritis, and PFB and bilateral paronychia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.