Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issues of service connection for cervical spine, right lower extremity neurological, left lower extremity neurological, and gastroesophageal conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. Service connection for hypertension is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, and degenerative arthritis lumbar spine due to insufficient credentialing documents provided by VA examiners.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including for her PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left and right restless leg syndromes, low back disability, and right knee disability. The appeal will be remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for increased ratings are not prior to October 31, 2016. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left testicle disorder, lumbar back disability, and respiratory ailment (emphysema). The decision also notes that new evidence submitted since the final denial is not considered material to reopen the claim of service connection for the left testicle disorder.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his back disability and TDIU prior to September 19, 2018 are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The issues include his lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, knee, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case to determine how much Federal income tax was withheld from the total amount of SSB pay awarded to the Veteran, in order to accurately recoup the VA disability compensation benefits.

Service connection is granted for PTSD, bilateral foot disability, and TBI. Service connection remains pending for cardiac disability, liver disability, spleen disability, lumbar spine disability, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues include hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, kidney condition, valvular heart disease, erectile dysfunction, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, GERD, stomach condition, asbestosis, ankle conditions, back disability, knee conditions, arthritis, right hip condition, and left hip condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from September 30, 2008, to October 23, 2017, excluding a period of convalescence. The rating reflects the functional equivalent of favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's low back disability with radiculopathy to the bilateral knees is granted as service connected. The right knee, migraine, and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate examination. The issues of left elbow cellulitis, olecranon bursitis, and low back disability are being addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's asthma is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances during service, as per the PACT Act. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The case is being sent back for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU and increased rating claims for cubital tunnel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date for TDIU or a higher rating for cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted, and his skin lesions are denied. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his lumbar spine disability is denied. Service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities is also denied. A TDIU is granted effective April 2, 2019.