Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine L5-1 has been rated at 10 percent since August 24, 2004. The Board found that his forward flexion was greater than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion was shown to be greater than 120 degrees, which do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the lumbar spine disorder, finding that it is less likely as not related to the in-service injury and instead more likely due to natural progression of degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records, including SSA disability benefits application documents.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be service-connected, with the Board resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.,Further development is required for the low back disorder claim due to conflicting evidence and need for clarification of the etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids were evaluated. The asthma was rated at 30 percent since March 25, 2013; the hearing loss was not compensable prior to October 16, 2014, and the hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent after that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service stressor involving shrapnel injuries during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold percentage requirement to establish eligibility for TDIU, but his unemployability is being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's TENS unit and right knee brace caused wear and tear to his clothing, which resulted in a clothing allowance for the year 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left shoulder and low back disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was incurred in wartime service and is granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not directly related to her service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board finds the evidence in equipoise as to whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance of another due to his disabilities, including from his back disorder and left ankle fracture.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to missing service treatment records, inadequate examination reports, and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of lumbar injury and radiculopathy of the lower extremities has been granted. The Veteran is currently rated 10% for both right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective January 11, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial evaluations of his left shoulder disability and low back strain were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that additional compensation for functional impairment warrants a higher rating to 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to care for herself without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disorder, including whether it is related to service or preexisted service.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of December 12, 2012 for the award of TDIU due to service-connected PTSD and other disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD alone precludes her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.