Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran is granted eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his service-connected low back injury has resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The special home adaptation grant claim is denied due to the Veteran's entitlement to specially adapted housing. Higher rates of SMC are granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbar spine spondylosis was denied, and the Board found that flexion of the thoracolumbar spine did not more nearly approximate 30 degrees flexion throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of bilateral hearing loss, asbestosis, and lumbar spine disability have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right leg disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's incomplete loss of sense of smell is directly caused by his service-connected nasal fracture, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected rhinitis, and he does not have a deviated septum or fatigue. The low back disorder was reopened on new evidence, but no other conditions were found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pelvis disorder and unequal leg length was granted. However, the claims for increased ratings of his thoracolumbar spine strain, cervical spine strain, bilateral knee conditions, bilateral hip conditions, and bilateral hand tendonitis remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's currently demonstrated spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability and if so, whether this fall caused or aggravated the current lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and employment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, lower extremity sciatica, cervical spine disorder, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is proximately due to his service-connected cystic lesion of the left upper tibia, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and low back disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back, cervical spine, and bilateral knee disabilities. The claim for back disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The cervical spine and bilateral knee disabilities were also not granted as they are not presumed to have been incurred in service.

PTSD and TMJ ratings remain denied.,Residuals of musculotendinous tear, right calf, and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis have initial disability ratings denied.,Effective dates for PTSD and TMJ service connection are also denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disability are being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experiences.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his active duty service.