Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and his active-duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, a low back condition, and right and left knee conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the calculation of the combined disability rating from November 5, 2010 to January 26, 2022 was correct at 40 percent. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was dismissed because her Notice of Disagreement did not identify any specific issues in the April 2021 rating decision she appealed.

Effective dates of January 7, 2004 for service connection granted for tooth loss due to trauma and lumbosacral strain and degenerative joint disease thoracic spine. The Veteran's effective date was determined based on receipt of new and material evidence in the form of previously unavailable service department records.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the low back and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from May 15, 2009 to October 4, 2015. The issue of TDIU prior to May 15, 2009 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine conditions due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in the original decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment during the period of appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions were denied. The claim for migraines was not granted, and the remaining claims were readjudicated but ultimately denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further action due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis was not aggravated during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The back disability other than scoliosis is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back and cervical spine disabilities due to a failure to provide adequate notice of VA examinations.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and her fatigue is attributed to her service-connected hypothyroidism disability. The lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his combat activities as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and motor transport operator during active duty, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 18, 2015. The Board found that this arose on May 18, 2015, which is later than the February 22, 2012 date of claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand and back disorders due to a lack of current diagnoses, finding that there is no evidence of functional impairment or disability.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence supports readjudicating the claims for diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disability. The AOJ must now adjudicate these claims based on this new evidence.