Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and maintaining substantial, gainful employment prior to May 1, 2021. Her earnings exceeded the poverty threshold for each year during this period.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and granted earlier effective dates of January 22, 2024, for the grants of service connection for right ear hearing loss, a left shoulder disability (left shoulder strain with joint instability), a low back disability (lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)), left knee strain, left knee limitation of flexion, and left knee limitation of extension.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that it was incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted with effective dates of March 31, 2006. The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his stroke and other disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition due to deterioration, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current condition to active military service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is granted an initial increased rating of 20 percent effective February 26, 2023.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, right ankle strain, lumbar radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, right-hand disability, congestive heart failure, allergic rhinitis, and type II diabetes mellitus. The decision is based on secondary service connection due to these conditions being caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches with photophobia is denied as the condition is already rated at its maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of ED is denied because the evidence does not show entitlement arose prior to March 2, 2023.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent disability rating for lumbar strain is denied as the earliest date of claim is March 2, 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, scoliosis and compression fracture of T5 and L2, cervical strain, herniation to C5-6, and narrowing at C3-5, and right knee strain. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of symptoms during active duty.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted initial disability ratings, with a maximum rating of 40 percent for the low back disability as of April 2018.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with mild scoliosis is granted a rating in excess of 10 percent. The right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent. Service connection for bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss are all granted.

The Board has denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain. The claims for migraines and Meniere's disease are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, bilateral pes planus (claimed as ankle pain), thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left ankle disorder. The evidence supports these findings based on continuity of symptoms since service.

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for back, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current disability or causation related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a lumbar spine disorder, both found to be related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for asthma is denied due to lack of covered service.

The Board has found that the Veteran needs personal care services for at least six continuous months due to his service-connected heart and kidney conditions, but remands for a clinical determination of whether participation in the PCAFC program is in his best interest.

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty-to-assist error, and will consider any additional evidence submitted when readjudicating the claims.