Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's earlier effective date claims for TDIU and DEA, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU or DEA at any time prior to February 1, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability rated at 40 percent is not shown to be of such nature and severity as to render him unable to secure and maintain regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The claims for left ankle and low back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of sinus disorder and lumbar spine disorder. Bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and bilateral foot disorder are now considered service-connected. The claim for sinus disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence, and the claim for lumbar spine disorder is also remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a broken bottom tooth, right side of mouth due to lack of evidence of a current disability. The claims for digestive and respiratory disabilities are remanded as the Veteran's lay statements suggest possible presumptive service connection under the Persian Gulf War presumption. Right shoulder, back, neck, and herniated sphincter of diaphragm disabilities are also remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for TDIU from July 31, 2012. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment as of this date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating greater than 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine arthritis prior to December 21, 2015 but is entitled to a 20 percent disability rating from December 21, 2015 and a 20 percent disability rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional evidence and readjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral ear disorder, but the claims for low back, left knee, bilateral hip, and sleep apnea disorders are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD, back, knee, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for additional development to determine their current severity.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for PTSD and dysthymic disorder (claimed as sleep disturbances). The Board has remanded the remaining issues including increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy, intervertebral disc syndrome, and a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims of left wrist disorder, post-TKR left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new VA examination to evaluate his back disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as his TDIU claim. The issues will be readjudicated after these examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining issues of service connection. Service connection is granted for tinnitus as it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, which includes parachute jumps and Ranger training. The low back disability, left foot disabilities (including callouses and bunions), right foot disabilities (including callouses and bunions), right hip disability, and left knee disability are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service injury, event, or illness.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further development of his medical history.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability. The claims for bilateral wrist disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar sprain was granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent. Service connection for myofascial pain syndrome, secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar sprain, was also granted.

The Board has vacated its April 9, 2021 decision and remanded the issues of entitlement to initial disability ratings higher than 20 percent for back and neck disabilities as well as entitlement to a TDIU.