Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a fracture of the left little finger, and the current disability requirement was not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and procedural due process, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and back disability are not related to service, and as such, denied his claims for service connection. The secondary service connection claim for depression is moot due to lack of established service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The new and material evidence claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability, which may be associated with service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition, bilateral leg condition, and bilateral heel condition are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not attributable to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disability.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for additional disabilities resulting from a cervical diskectomy and fusion performed in 2008. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining an opinion on the proximate cause of any additional disability, is necessary.

The Veteran's use of his VA-issued back brace caused irreparable damage to clothing, and the Board finds that this warrants a clothing allowance for the 2013 benefit year.

The Veteran's headaches cause less than one prostrating attack every two months, and the Board finds that the criteria for an initial compensable rating are not met. The issue of service connection for a low back condition is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is caused by his service-connected right knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his left hip disability is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew this claim. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for bilateral foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis and right foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, effective January 1, 2014. The appeal regarding service connection for a sinus disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service fall, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back disability, including lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, is related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left carpel tunnel syndrome, and bilateral plantar fasciitis were not caused or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition resulted in limited or painful motion prior to April 6, 2012, warranting a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's low back condition resulted in limited or painful motion prior to March 10, 2008, warranting a 10 percent rating.

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