Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and cervical spine conditions are not related to service, but his bilateral hearing loss is presumed due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.,Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee instability has been granted a 30% rating for the entire period on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and low back disability, as well as his claim for TDIU based on these disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found the evidence did not support a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues on appeal can be adjudicated, including obtaining SSA records and another VA medical examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board found that the July 27, 2013 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD with anxiety, hypertension, heart attack, back condition, left leg pain, and diabetes did not contain clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's neck and right wrist disabilities are found to be related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal and it is dismissed.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for the year 2016 is granted due to his service-connected low back disability causing damage to his clothing.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. He was granted a 50% rating effective January 2016.,Prior to September 21, 2015, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not characterized by unfavorable ankylosis. From September 21, 2015, his condition has been characterized as having unfavorable ankylosis and he is now rated at 50% effective January 2016.,Prior to December 4, 2015, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was characterized by mild incomplete paralysis. From December 4, 2015, his condition has been characterized as moderate incomplete paralysis and he is now rated at 20% effective January 2016.,Prior to December 4, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was characterized by mild incomplete paralysis. From December 4, 2015, his condition has been characterized as moderate incomplete paralysis and he is now rated at 20% effective January 2016.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the grants of service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are September 24, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% that would qualify for SMC based on housebound status. Therefore, his claim for SMC is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a 20% rating from July 20, 2016 onwards. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 10%. The current rating adequately reflects any functional impairment and pain.

The Veteran's back disability, arthritis, and hypertension were not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's low back strain has been productive of limitation of flexion to 60 degrees since September 27, 2016. The Board granted a rating of 10 percent for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current thoracic and/or lumbar spine or seizure disorders related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, effective October 6, 2015. A TDIU rating has also been granted, effective November 4, 2014.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at 40 percent each.