Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to severe lower extremities restrictions, nerve damage, and low back problems from a motor vehicle accident is granted beginning October 20, 2017. The claim was denied prior to this date.

The Veteran's tinnitus was first manifested during service and is granted. The ventral hernia, back condition, right foot condition, left foot condition, right hip condition, left hip condition, and sleep apnea are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right foot, lumbar spine, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and right hip conditions are being remanded due to new evidence submitted that may support these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not rated higher than 20 percent prior to May 1, 2018.,Starting from May 1, 2018, the Veteran is entitled to a rating of no more than 60 percent for his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and degenerative disc syndrome, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension claim for a compensable rating is denied, and the low back condition service connection issue is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease is related to his active service and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and a low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent from July 2, 2019 and the Board grants a TDIU effective July 26, 2012.,From July 21, 2011 to July 26, 2012, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability is being remanded due to the need for an adequate VA examination. The appeal will be considered on the merits once this is done.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been granted a 20 percent rating since January 13, 2020. The condition is manifested by pain and limited motion.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for DJD of the left thigh, thoracolumbar spine, knee, and shoulder is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for psoriatic arthritis is also being remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions addressing its onset or relation to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20% effective October 3, 2017. The claim for a higher rating remains denied after this date.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD is currently rated at 20 percent, effective September 24, 2019. A higher initial rating of 20 percent prior to that date has been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic low back condition during service or within one year after discharge. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including right and left lower extremity cold injury residuals, peripheral neuropathy due to cold weather injury, tinnitus, and cervical spine DDD, were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and expert opinions, as well as potential need for additional record development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from March 14, 2007.

The Veteran's request for financial assistance to purchase an automobile and adaptive equipment is denied because he does not have a qualifying disability under the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.808.