Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder and the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot disorders are found to be the primary cause of his current major depressive disorder. The Veteran's other service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for a clothing allowance for knee brace and topical medication were denied. However, the Board granted a clothing allowance for his back brace due to credible testimony indicating it caused damage to his clothes.

The claim of service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain beginning on April 25, 2017. The Veteran also received a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for right wrist disability and back disability, but denied service connection for both conditions. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of sleep apnea, colorectal cancer and small intestine resection, olecranon spur, right elbow, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and requests for additional VA spine examinations.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for various conditions, with some requiring initial compensable ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disabilities are related to her military service. The Board found an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether these conditions were caused by or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's low back disability is now rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of this decision.,The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is now rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and low back strain, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disabilities and associated bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and requests for authorization of medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including fibromyalgia and elbow/knee disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining training dates from the Army Reserve Unit and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and upper back disability are related to her active duty service, including a September 2009 motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because they died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to decide the merits of their claim.

The Veteran's right hip disorder and bilateral lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy were granted service connection. However, the rating for his lumbar radiculopathy was denied prior to April 3, 2013, but granted as of that date with a 40% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for new medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar muscle strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance in 2013 was denied because the prescribed medication (Clobetasol ointment) did not cause damage to his clothing, and there is no provision for damage resulting from the disability itself.