Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in previous decisions, and an additional VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability was denied, and the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder and lumbar spine disease render her in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation benefits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and to ensure all relevant medical records are considered in evaluating his claims. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for a low back disorder was denied as there is no medical evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran was found not to have current left ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and his employment as a service technician was considered in determining that he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for separate ratings for urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction associated with his service-connected degenerative disc disease with IVDS, status post laminectomy, is denied. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10% from April 2, 2009 to May 6, 2011 and at 40% from October 25, 2011 to June 26, 2014. Since then, a higher rating for his back disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the appellant's current lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's back and tonsillitis/acid reflux disabilities are denied service connection, but his kidney disability is granted as secondary to hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbosacral strain is remanded due to the need for an examination to assess the current severity of her disability and whether any objective neurologic abnormalities are present.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities as of June 10, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral shoulder strain and chronic cervical and lumbar spine strain due to insufficient medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by the development of these service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to new evidence received since the last decision. The claims will be adjudicated on a de novo basis.

The Veteran's effective date for SMC benefits based on housebound criteria is denied because the earliest possible effective date is May 1, 2014.

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are missing and needs to be obtained. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left hand injury, low back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of cold injuries to his hands, need to be remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine condition, right cubital tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Veteran is currently receiving a TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to August 8, 2016 and 20 percent thereafter. The rating for the condition remains unchanged.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of lumbar spondylosis and denied it as not related to service.