Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for left knee, right knee, and back disabilities, all related to in-service parachute jumps.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of the left hand is dismissed as it has already been granted. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the left hand. However, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proper consideration of new evidence submitted after the prior denial, and for further medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis and degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as back condition) is related to her active service, resolving all doubt in her favor.

The Board has dismissed the claim as the RO has already granted the full benefits sought, including service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease L4-L5, and intervertebral disc syndrome is effective the earliest date permissible by law and VA statute.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was incurred during service, and his low back and migraine headache disabilities were aggravated by service. Service connection is granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder but denied for the low back and migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder and associated LLE radiculopathy. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to his active duty service, including any in-service injury during ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is related to injuries sustained during service.,The left ankle sprain is secondary to the right ankle condition.,Radiculopathy in both lower extremities (sciatica) is also secondary to the lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's memory loss and lack of concentration are not related to service, as there is no evidence of an in-service event or continuous symptomatology since service.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's GERD with nausea to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia, lumbosacral strain with scoliosis, and tinnitus render him so helpless as to require the regular need for aid and attendance. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and low back disability should be remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, specifically regarding the need for VA examinations.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from 40 percent to 40 percent effective January 1, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided at the time of the January 2022 decision were inadequate, and thus remands the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he is capable of functioning in a sedentary work environment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disability, post-concussive headaches with a noncompensable initial evaluation, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with an initial 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's claims are denied for higher ratings.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic low back condition, dysphagia/difficulty swallowing, right knee condition, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome as the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's TDIU and femoral nerve radiculopathy ratings have been denied as the earliest date that it is factually ascertainable that he developed these conditions was May 19, 2021.