Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has maintained full-time employment throughout the appeal period. The Board denied his claim for TDIU because he is able to maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating for the period prior to November 20, 2010. For the period on appeal, his claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder condition, and back condition. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has determined that additional development is required, including VA examinations and a review of her medical records.

The Board has vacated its May 15, 2023 decision denying TDIU for the period prior to August 26, 2019 due to a procedural error. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether the Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the appellant's reports of onset and continuity of symptomatology were not credible. The Board concluded that his current low back disorder is not related to his in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is being remanded for a medical opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected bilateral knee and shin splint disabilities.

The claim of service connection for a low back disability (claimed as scoliosis) has been reopened, and the Veteran's left knee scars are denied an initial compensable rating.,VA is remanding the issue of whether the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to her service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance, but she is eligible for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spondylolisthesis was denied, with his appeal being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The issue of service connection for a sleep disorder other than insomnia disorder is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient attempts by the AOJ to contact him and schedule examinations. The AOJ is instructed to attempt contacting the Veteran via phone or written communication, reschedule examinations if possible, and provide a rationale for any delays.

The Veteran's right hip arthritis and left knee instability are denied higher ratings. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for the left knee meniscal tear.,Service connection for a right knee disorder on secondary basis is remanded, and an effective date prior to August 12, 2018 for the award of a separate rating for left knee instability is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pes planus and tinnitus have been granted. The Veteran's bilateral hand disability, hip disability, lumbar spine disability, and left toe disability are pending further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to confusion in the medical evidence and inconsistencies regarding the nature of the Veteran's conditions during active service. The issues include residuals of rheumatoid arthritis and polyarthralgia, a heart condition, and hypertension.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine sprain and has remanded the issues regarding PTSD with opiate use disorder. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition, left shoulder condition, left knee condition, and allergic rhinitis. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran with examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, sleep apnea, and sinus disability based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service injuries.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are related to his military service.