Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected back condition contributed to his death from congestive heart failure.

The Board has remanded the case to consider an extraschedular evaluation for a TDIU prior to December 2, 2014 due to unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to July 15, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on his range of motion findings and work status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition (degenerative arthritis) and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has been found to preclude her from all substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding his periods of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve service. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorder, liver condition (hepatitis C), and papular dermatitis with pruritus of the right forearm.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent prior to September 17, 2015, and 40 percent therefrom. The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disability.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, cervical degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prior to July 18, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD was rated as 70 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as the need for additional examinations. The claims of DEA benefits are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease is denied. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability, finding that the reduction from 40 to 20 percent was improper.,The Veteran’s right knee disorder and left knee disability are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease due to lack of new and material evidence. The claims for back disability, mental health condition, and sleep apnea were also denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for back and neck disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for asthma due to asbestos exposure during military service. The lower back and right knee disability claims are still pending.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's low back residuals of soft tissue sarcoma are rated at 40 percent prior to December 10, 2015 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. Bilateral hearing loss and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity do not warrant a compensable initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and additional medical opinions are needed.