Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting new examinations to assess her left knee and lumbar spine disabilities. The issues of higher ratings for bronchial asthma, chronic lumbosacral paraspinal spasms, instability of the left knee, and left knee meniscal tear are all remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition began during or is related to her military service.,Her right fifth metacarpal fracture resulted in pain and stiffness, requiring periodic stretching. She received a 10% rating for patellofemoral syndrome, right knee, effective May 23, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand joint pain, stiffness and swelling, left elbow degenerative arthritis, right elbow joint pain, stiffness and swelling, right shoulder joint pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of motion and function, left upper extremity numbness, right upper extremity numbness, nausea and vomiting, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, including as secondary to service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck pain, stiffness and swelling, including as secondary to service-connected TBI, left knee joint pain, including as secondary to service-connected right knee and left foot disabilities, Athlete's foot, right foot, and TMJD, including as secondary to service-connected TBI have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the remand of issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy is necessary due to the potential impact on a TDIU claim. The Veteran’s work history needs to be clarified, as it is unclear when he stopped working.

The Veteran's left ankle arthritis is granted as service connection. The claim for hypertension and degenerative disabilities of the lumbar spine are denied.,Further examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran had exposure to asbestos in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee injury residuals and a lower back condition due to new and material evidence. The cases are remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted. The claim for SMC based on housebound status is denied as it does not meet the criteria due to his TDIU rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, hemorrhoids, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions have been granted. The cases are now REMANDED for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, an increased rating for PTSD with depression, and TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee disabilities including arthritis, malignant melanoma of the right arm, bilateral shin splints, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The decision also remanded issues regarding service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and back disability render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Board has restored a 20% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected chronic thoracolumbar spine strain from October 1, 2018. The case is remanded to determine an increased initial disability rating higher than 20% for the same condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions and seeking initial ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings. The Board has remanded these matters to obtain additional examinations and evidence.,The Veteran is seeking an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability, hearing loss, psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression), and lumbar disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and ear pain and dizziness. The decision also noted that prior to March 14, 2016, he was not entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report for assessing the severity of the Veteran's service-connected DJD of the thoracolumbar spine prior to June 20, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for discogenic disease, lumbar spine, status post hemilaminectomy at L3-L4-L5 has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shin splints, knee conditions, and an acquired psychiatric condition due to potential worsening of his conditions since the last VA examination almost four years ago. The Veteran is also required to undergo a new VA examination for these issues.