Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence when readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 50% effective November 18, 2020. Her IVDS with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is granted an increased evaluation to 40%. Right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to her service-connected IVDS is also granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew their appeal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a back disability have been remanded due to the need for new VA medical opinions. The effective date of service connection for PTSD has not yet been determined.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining adequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as a low back disability before November 16, 2023. The claims are remanded for further examination regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for OSA, left ankle, lumbar spine, and right hip disabilities. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and coronary artery disease are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical DDD and left and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar DDD.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine and secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for chronic left ankle sprain, right ankle strain, and thoracolumbar strain are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in the prior examinations.

The Veteran's neck and back disabilities are granted as service connected. The right ear hearing loss and right upper extremity radiculopathy claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with obesity as an intermediate step. The decision also grants service connection for obesity as a substantial factor in causing the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for survivor's pension, DIC benefits, and accrued benefits. The decision found that her income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), did not establish a service-connected disability as the cause of death, and dismissed the claim for accrued benefits due to her status as a substitute appellant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is directed to obtain an addendum medical opinion that addresses the extent of flareups experienced by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine condition and sinus and lung condition due to a lack of VA examinations in connection with these claims.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and back disability have been granted increased ratings, with a 50% rating for migraine headaches effective October 23, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, finding that it is related to his in-service low back pain and treatment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and right knee disabilities due to secondary service connection. The Veteran contends his current conditions are related to his service-connected right leg disabilities.