Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination and for efforts to obtain his private treatment records. Additionally, TDIU is being remanded due to evidence of unemployability related to his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional records in order to properly adjudicate his claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and left hip disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's back disability, psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and skin disorder are all found to have their onset in service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating, her DDD lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent rating, and her asthma is granted an initial 60 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to support his claims of lumbar back disability secondary to leg disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for GERD is also granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lumbar back disability secondary to leg disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic bilateral costochondritis is granted. The Board also remanded several other issues due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine and lumbar strain, an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD), and obstructive sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for multiple myeloma.

The Board has found that a 10 percent rating is warranted for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability throughout the appeal period. The right and left ankle disabilities are remanded due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is due to service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being added to the record and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for restless leg syndrome is granted. The claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism post right hemithyroidectomy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the VA treatment on February 19, 2014 may have exacerbated a preexisting lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, left knee meniscal tear, and left knee arthritis with instability are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia, and excision of lipoma of the stomach with no residuals are denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to in-service injury.

The appeal for service connection for a left eye disorder is denied. Appeals for right foot, elbow, wrist, and knee disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disorder (including low back pain, lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome), and hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and residuals of asbestos exposure have been granted. The claims for left knee condition, residuals of asbestos exposure, dermatitis, and sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran is not in need of aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected conditions, but also requires assistance from nonservice-connected conditions.