Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's low back disability and TDIU claim. The issues of service connection and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected left foot condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraines, a low back disability, a neck disability, and a right shoulder disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic fatigue syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his physical or mental incapacity.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for all issues except the entitlement to an extended period of a temporary total rating for convalescence status-post total right knee replacement, which has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar strain and thoracic scoliosis is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder condition is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the previously denied and final claims of service connection for a heart disability (Atrial Fibrillation) and low back disability. The claim for service connection for hypertension is also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right leg disorder. The Veteran's back disorder is not considered secondary to his right leg disorder.

The Veteran's claims for neck disorder and lumbar spine disorder have been reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection.,The Veteran's claim for right knee disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection.,The Veteran's claim for neurogenic bladder has been reopened, and it is related to a now service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hips, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees. The Board finds that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's functional limitation of motion in his thoracolumbar spine during flare-ups, especially following periods of stillness, more closely approximated 60 degrees of forward flexion and a combined range of motion of 150 degrees prior to October 29, 2014.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective August 28, 2006. The Board granted a TDIU prior to March 20, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left second toe stress fracture was denied as there is no current disability.,Service connection for migraine headaches was granted, but the rating assigned (10%) does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on frequency or severity.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied. The initial rating assigned was appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Board has ordered the RO to re-examine the Veteran and determine if his low back disability is related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities. The case is now REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his combined disability rating is not at least 40% and he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder with associated symptoms affecting his lower extremities is service-connected, as it likely began during his military service and persists to this day.