Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of current disability severity and a need for a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which include musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including whether it is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain and left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder does not require the care or assistance of another on a regular basis, and he is not housebound due to his service-connected disability. Therefore, entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is only 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for back disorders is reopened, but the appeal remains remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and arthritis, finding that the Veteran did not have an in-service injury or disease related to his current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder (secondary to service-connected disabilities). Service connection was denied for lumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disorders are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine functionally limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks.,The Veteran's knee disabilities have not been evaluated based on specific service connection theory as they are rated under general rating criteria for musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was reopened and granted, but his claim for hearing loss remains pending.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted. Service connection for hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he needs assistance with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, managing his medications, attending to the wants of nature, keeping himself clean and presentable, and protecting himself from hazards.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective January 10, 2019.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent, effective January 10, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, low back disability, and left upper extremity disability (claimed as cervical radiculopathy) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Board also denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated at 20 percent prior to October 27, 2017 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. A separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy effective October 27, 2017 is granted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Appellant's motor vehicle accidents during service are considered ACDUTRA, and for a new VA examination to determine if her current back disability is related to her service.