Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's lumbar strain and PTSD service connection ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculitis is granted a disability rating of 20 percent, effective January 14, 2016.

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbosacral strain disabilities are being remanded for further examination to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the issues of increased evaluations and effective dates, as well as the TDIU claim. The case is REMANDED to allow for such development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied, and the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records need to be considered and a new supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) should be issued to address these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC based on aid and attendance are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for low back problems due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no current diagnosis of sleep apnea in the record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation since August 9, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board dismissed the issues of service connection for migraine headaches, respiratory conditions including sinusitis, and an increased rating for an inguinal hernia. The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability and an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to February 24, 2022, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for a back disability due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine, cervical spine, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The right knee increased rating claim is also being remanded.,The Veteran's TDIU request is inextricably intertwined with these other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is not related to his active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the lumbar spine disability receiving a 70% rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. As the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an award of special monthly compensation, as no disability is considered 100 percent disabling, plus an additional separate disability or disabilities combining to 60 percent disabling, his TDIU claim has been dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and new information not previously considered.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle, left knee, left elbow, and low back disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active duty or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar strain with compression fractures, degenerative disc disease, and osteoporosis was granted at a 40 percent level since January 18, 2017. A TDIU was also granted since that date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus is denied as the earliest effective date available has already been awarded.,The issue of an earlier effective date for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran and his attorney.,New and material evidence has been received, reopening the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee condition.,Service connection for right knee disability is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the nature and etiology of the disability.,Service connection for left knee disability is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the nature and etiology of the disability.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood is remanded due to a need for an updated assessment of the Veteran's condition.,Rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and related radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the severity of these disabilities, including whether they manifest ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities is remanded.