Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40 to 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and scoliosis of the thoracic spine was proper based on improvement in his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, including lumbar spinal stenosis and arthritis, as well as right lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection was established based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding his in-service injuries and ongoing symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 18, 2017, for increased disability ratings of his back, left shoulder, right shoulder, left hip, and right hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability and right knee disability are granted with an effective date of August 11, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records, need for new VA examinations, and consideration of the low back disability as secondary to service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and heart disability, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right lower extremity knee and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, together with organic diseases such as coronary artery disease, sinusitis, and hypertension, result in the loss of use of one lower extremity and affect balance and propulsion. The Board grants entitlement to specially adapted housing but dismisses the claim for a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate development, including the need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, lumbar spine condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition as secondary to his service-connected disability of right ankle strain due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of a clear nexus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and left ankle disorder, finding no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of lumbar strain and service connection for a cervical spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, a left knee disability, and a back disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar strain and hemorrhoids due to the need for updated examination reports.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was incurred in or caused by military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has vacated the November 2022 decision and remanded several issues for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Veteran's back disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) have been rated as 10%, 20%, and 40% disabling, respectively, from December 12, 2016 to January 21, 2020; January 22, 2020 to May 31, 2022; and June 1, 2022, respectively. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) has been rated as 20% disabling since January 22, 2020.,The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for her back disability or radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities from June 1, 2022 onwards.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete examination and treatment records.