Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board dismissed the issue of Total Disability Rating by Reason of Individual Unemployability (TDIU) as not reasonably raised by the record as part and parcel of the Veteran's claim for increased compensation for lumbar disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and right knee disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for low back disability. The Veteran's current low back disability is found to be as likely as not related to an injury sustained during active service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the severity of his service-connected cervical spine, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection claims for left knee disorder, headaches, psychiatric disorder, nausea, and vertigo are also remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and right shoulder tendinitis were found to not warrant a rating in excess of the currently assigned 20 percent ratings. The left shoulder tendinitis was also found to not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that his current condition is proximately due to injuries sustained in service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to January 28, 2015. The evidence does not reflect some factor that takes his case 'outside the norm' of any other veteran rated at the same level.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disorder, back disorder, and headaches (secondary to PTSD) due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection and higher ratings, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service medical records and considering all relevant evidence. The Veteran's current disabilities are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim due to an inadequate August 2015 medical examination. The case will be returned for a new opinion that addresses all claimed in-service events, including lifting boxes and MVA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and unscannable documents. The cervical spine disability claim is also being remanded for a new opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric and low back conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cholesteatoma, right knee disability, left hip disability, left ankle disability, and low back disability all claimed as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability and remanded it for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable effective July 13, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU based on the evidence showing his back and neuropathy disorders prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records. The main reasons for remanding are for new examinations, especially concerning the lumbar spine and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar myositis, back condition; left knee degenerative changes associated with right knee meniscal strain and anxiety have been granted. The claims of service connection for parent-child relational problem (resolved as depression) are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hepatitis C due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The AOJ is instructed to review this evidence, issue a supplemental statement of the case if necessary, and contact the Veteran to determine his preference regarding a Board hearing.