Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent from May 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015, and from January 1, 2016 forward. The issues of increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran's back brace, which is used in conjunction with his service-connected lumbar spine disability, tends to wear and tear his clothing. The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the 2016 calendar year due to this issue.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating, but the right hip disability claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for a right shoulder condition, an increased rating for lumbar spine disability, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine (neck) disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's current conditions are considered to be at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability and a low back disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during or are related to service. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anemia, tinnitus, headache disorder (including migraines), mitral valve prolapse, and lower back disorder are not related to her active service. The claims for these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma as it was not shown to be related to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, but only effective from July 26, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral back strain, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a current disability and its relationship to service.,The Board also denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, noting there was no current diagnosis in the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with lumbar spondylosis and radiculopathy was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in February 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's back condition is related to her military service. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if her current back condition had its onset during active duty or is causally related to any in-service event, disease, or injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include right knee, left knee, low back, right shoulder, psychiatric (depression), post cataract removal right eye disability, and alopecia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The issues of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are also remanded as they may be impacted by the outcome of the left knee condition claim.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and ratings were dismissed.,Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine sprain with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his back disability, including testing for radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need to determine if a VA physician performed the initial cervical spine surgery at a non-VA facility or if the non-VA facility meets the requirements to be considered a VA facility, and whether the Veteran's conditions were reasonably foreseeable events.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to outstanding VA examinations not having been scheduled.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease and thoracic spondylosis, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection.