Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is remanded due to internal inconsistencies and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, but has remanded to determine if there is unfavorable ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which leave him in need of regular assistance.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine strain and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected disabilities, as well as TDIU. The Veteran needs additional examinations to assess his current disability levels and a new opinion on whether any of his service-connected disabilities cause or aggravate his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder is denied. The evidence does not show that the Veteran's current diagnoses began during service or are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,For the period prior to March 9, 2020, the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent for PTSD with mild neurocognitive disorder and severe alcohol use disorder and TBI are not met. For the period from March 9, 2020, to August 29, 2022, the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to additional evidence being received since the last SSOC in November 2020. The AOJ will review this new evidence before the case is reconsidered.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran's lower back, right knee, bilateral foot, and gastrointestinal disabilities are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine condition and bilateral leg peripheral neuropathy is granted.,Service connection for a lumbar spine condition is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of his condition, with particular attention to flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, residuals of a groin injury, and erectile dysfunction. The conditions are deemed to be causally related to in-service events.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and right foot disabilities due to new evidence received after a previous decision. The case will be returned to the RO for review of this additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disorders are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing their onset or aggravation during her active duty. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not service-connected as there is no clear and specific etiology related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's findings regarding the Veteran's range of motion during repeated use over time.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including consideration of his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder, including whether it is related to an in-service blast injury. The examiner will also consider the Veteran's lay statements and provide a rationale for their opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and addressing the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and entitlement to TDIU prior to March 19, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, lower back disability, and right shoulder disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether each condition is related to service.,Service connection has been established for all three conditions: tinnitus, lumbar spine arthritis (lower back disability), and right shoulder disability.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to October 3, 2018 or on and after December 5, 2023. The Board granted a 40 percent rating from October 3, 2018 to December 5, 2023 for the low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has been granted for a back disability.