Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's right shoulder, back, dermatitis, right ankle, and left upper leg disabilities have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the right shoulder disability is established based on in-service injury and continuity of symptomatology. Service connection for the back disability is established due to in-service lifting duties resulting in chronic strain and functional overload. Dermatitis is linked to Gulf War exposure. Right ankle and left upper leg disabilities are secondary to service-connected foot disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, other than scoliosis, is not service connected as it did not manifest within one year of discharge and there is no evidence that the condition was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has denied service connection for left shoulder, left hip, and neck conditions due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.,Service connection is also not granted for a low back condition, left knee condition, or right shoulder condition as there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, cervical spine disability, left wrist sprain, left ankle disability, musculoskeletal strain (claimed as costochondritis Tietze's syndrome), otitis media, right ear, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus due to new evidence of ongoing symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is reopened, and the Board remands the case to determine if his back condition is aggravated by his service-connected knee disability. The case also remains in remand status for consideration of an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left knee.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back strain disability, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate findings or symptoms required to warrant such a rating.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral ankle disorder as these conditions did not manifest during the Veteran's period of active duty or within one year thereafter and are not otherwise related to such service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity disabilities, as well as to ensure compliance with current rating criteria.

The Veteran's request to reopen her finally denied claim for service connection for a back condition was denied. Her claims for service connection for skin condition and bilateral knee condition were granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a lumbar spine injury and residuals of a cervical spine injury due to incomplete records from his VA employment and treatment history.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all his appeals regarding the service connection for various injuries and conditions. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings or entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further action consistent with the terms of a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR). The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD is being remanded, as well as his TDIU prior to September 13, 2016.

The Board has restored the 10 percent ratings for thoracolumbar strain, right knee disability, and left knee disability effective September 1, 2014.,The TBI rating was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable effective October 28, 2014.

The Board has remanded two issues: the first is to determine if a higher rating for the lumbar spine disability is warranted, and the second is to establish an earlier effective date for TDIU. The Veteran's claims are being returned due to insufficient evidence in the most recent VA examination.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for left leg varicose veins since August 11, 2015. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchitis and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600, and concluded he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his migraines and mental health issues.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including generalized joint and muscle pain, lumbar spine disorder, right elbow lateral and medial epicondylitis, left elbow lateral and medial epicondylitis, right wrist arthritis, left wrist arthritis, and right knee arthritis, were not incurred in service. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year post-service for most conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity disabilities and several other conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. The Board has granted SMC benefits at the (r)(1) rate based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing as he meets the criteria for loss or use of both lower extremities.