Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for DEA benefits was denied because his service-connected disabilities did not meet the requirement of permanent and total disability. The RO proposed to reduce his 100 percent rating for depressive disorder, but a TDIU rating has been granted. The case is being remanded to determine if the current severity of his service-connected disabilities are reasonably certain to continue throughout his life.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for TDIU due to one service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, and his cognitive disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disorder, which the VA examiner determined was not related to his time in service or any of his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that an addendum opinion is needed from the VA examiner to consider all pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's low back disability, rated at 10 percent, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of her symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the lumbar spine.,Service connection was denied for residuals of a neck injury, as well as residuals of bilateral shoulder injuries.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, back disorder, bilateral shoulder degenerative joint disease, and higher ratings for residuals of TBI and residuals of TBI with tension-type headaches.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions, including bilateral hip disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, neck disorder, upper back pain disorder, and liver disorder. The decision is final as the Veteran did not appeal it.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 10 percent since November 2006. The VA examiner found flexion to 90 degrees, extension to 30 degrees with pain at 20 degrees, and no instability or subluxation. The Veteran’s disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with appropriate notice to file a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinion regarding whether his current lumbar spine disorder was aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, denied all other claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing. Service connection claims for left knee and back disabilities are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder and lung disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was granted, and an initial rating of 10 percent is assigned for the period from September 1, 2007, to November 23, 2014, and in excess of 10 percent for the period beginning November 24, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and lumbar spine strain due to inadequate examination reports. The claim for plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including requesting information about physician-ordered bed rest episodes and scheduling a VA spine examination. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to December 13, 2013, is now pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and tinnitus. The case is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination reports, failure to obtain all relevant medical records, and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for bilateral double vision and back disorder resulting from a fall at a VA Medical Center in April 2003 were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.