Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development of evidence related to his claims, including review of SSA records and VA DBQs. The case will then be returned to the Board if necessary.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disorder and a right hip disorder. The reopened claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case regarding his right lower extremity sciatica.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a video conference hearing. The claims of increased ratings for bilateral plantar keratomas, degenerative disc and joint disease with spondylosis, foramina stenosis and scoliosis of the lumbar spine, and orchiectomy, right are still pending.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's rating for his low back disability from 40 percent to 20 percent was improper and restored the original 40 percent rating effective November 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of pension benefits in the amount of $12,727 would be against the principles of equity and good conscience due to VA's fault in not promptly adjusting the Veteran's pension benefits after he notified them of his additional income from Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate rationale in the February 2013 VA examination and lack of consideration of lay statements regarding his back strain during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability did not manifest in service and does not have a nexus to his active duty. The left leg and knee disability is also not shown to be related to service or due to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance in 2013 was denied because the off-the-shelf LO Flexible back brace he used to treat his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine did not tend to wear or tear his clothing. The case is being remanded for further review by the Under Secretary for Health.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is supported by evidence of behavior changes related to in-service personal assaults. The other claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not receiving a hearing notice at his PO Box address, and another DRO hearing is scheduled. The appeal will be returned for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities are service-connected. The right and left ankle disabilities have been remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disorder and lower back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and are not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records, including SSA records and VA treatment records. A new/updated VA medical examination for aid and attendance and/or housebound status is needed due to the Veteran's assertions at his hearing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for her thoracolumbar spine DJD was denied as the symptoms did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back disability has been granted, with a current rating of 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for burns to the hands, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a sleep disorder. The issues regarding back, right knee, right shoulder, left shoulder disorders, and left knee disorder were reconsidered but also denied on the merits.

The Veteran is found to be unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability from September 9, 2010 to May 7, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claim for higher initial evaluations for his knee disabilities and a left index finger disability is remanded.