Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused her to resign from her job as a budget analyst on February 2, 2014. The Board granted TDIU beginning February 3, 2014.

The Veteran's effective date for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is granted as of April 26, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional examination of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as the previous VA examination did not include testing on both active and passive motion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder and TDIU based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was denied in December 1999 and again on September 5, 2001. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at September 5, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder was denied as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.,An evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was also denied, as the evidence did not show limitation of motion to less than 135 degrees.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, right lower extremity condition (claimed as right leg, knee, ankle, and foot pain radiating from the low back), and hypertension have all been denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of chronic lumbar strain was denied. The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lumbar spine osteoarthritis with IVDS have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD lumbosacral spine and TDIU were denied as the current evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder, lumbar spine disability, thoracic spine disability, urethral stricture, and ischemic optic neuropathy, are of sufficient severity to warrant entitlement to aid and attendance at the level described by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and a statement of the case regarding severance of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between his disabilities and service-connected multiple sclerosis, as well as other secondary issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and acquired psychological disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly concerning his alleged injuries and surgeries during active duty.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU from February 17, 2012. From that date, his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's surviving spouse is being provided another opportunity for the claims file to be updated and any necessary medical opinions obtained.