Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability with radiculopathy is etiologically related to her active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be processed again after scheduling the Veteran for a videoconference hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if her service-connected disabilities prevent her from securing or maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease L4-L5, with lumbar strain, myositis, spondylosis, and arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for right knee, left knee, and low back disorders are being remanded to obtain additional medical records.,New evidence may be submitted to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee and low back disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and he is granted a TDIU for the period prior to June 28, 2011. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is also granted effective from June 28, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee, shoulder, and low back disorders are being remanded due to the unavailability of service treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain her complete treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder is being remanded due to insufficient detail in the examination reports and need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate since August 1, 2010 is being remanded due to incomplete information and need for further evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and low back disorder are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spinal stenosis and left lumbar radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain and TBI with residual headaches do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Board found that his current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as whether he has a separate disability manifested by testicular pain that is related to service or secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for an addendum medical opinion and further development.

The Board has determined that recoupment of the Veteran's separation pay is proper, but a waiver of this recoupment is not warranted due to lack of legal merit.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 14, 2011 and is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder is related to his service, including his service-connected left total knee replacement and right total knee replacement. As such, service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's metal brace for his service-connected low back disability causes wear and tear on his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the year 2014.

The claim for service connection for hypertension has not been reopened due to the lack of new and material evidence, but the claim for a low back disorder was reopened.,The Veteran's low back disorder is considered direct service connection as there is no evidence showing it occurred in or was caused by service.