Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for right great toe disorder and lumbar spine disorder. The claims for residuals of a head injury, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, hematuria, erectile dysfunction, right shoulder strain, and bilateral restless leg syndrome have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding a right knee disability, as there is no current evidence of such a condition. The Veteran's claims for left shoulder, low back, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a 10 percent evaluation for a painful hernia scar. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded due to the Veteran not submitting current treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, right knee strain with chondrosis, and left knee strain have all been rated at 10 percent since June 4, 2011.,None of the conditions meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's spouse is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on her need for aid and attendance due to multiple disabling conditions that require regular assistance from another person.

The Veteran's service-connected alcohol abuse is granted, as it is aggravated by his service connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment. The rating for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment is increased to 70 percent from August 12, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for headaches, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and tonsillectomy due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder, low back, and neck disorders due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome is the primary cause of his surgical scar of the anterior trunk (abdomen). Service connection for this condition is granted effective from October 10, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, which had their onset during active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The left ankle disability is also considered to have its onset during ACDUTRA. However, the TDIU claim remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the left ankle claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and secondary service connection for a left hip disorder as related to the back disorder. The decision also remanded several other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are pending further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for left wrist disability, arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to increased severity of symptoms since the last examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and disability ratings, including those for upper back disability, defective vision, PTSD, hearing loss, breathing problems, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, loss of teeth, and tinea pedis.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board determined that her symptoms do not warrant an increased rating to 50 percent or above.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not yet been considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings and increased ratings for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder, but denied service connection for tinnitus and back disorder.