Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's disease, coronary artery disease, lumbar strain, duodenal ulcer, chronic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, radiculopathy of the right leg, and residual scarring, render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and pes planus. The remaining issues of service connection for bilateral hip disability, lumbar spine disability, increased rating for Reiter's syndrome, and TDIU were also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is not etiologically related to active service, and his claimed sinus polyps and deviated septum, bilateral arthritis of the knees, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran was granted a separate compensable disability rating of 10 percent for left lower extremity sciatica, which manifested as mild incomplete partial paralysis. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss, but reopened the claim of service connection for a back disorder. Service connection was not established for any condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IVDS of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted. The Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for IVDS of the lumbar spine from May 21, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, including his chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, is not related to his period of service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and therefore denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records to determine the severity of her service-connected conditions and to clarify her claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease, is found to be at least as likely as not related to her active duty service.,The Veteran has also provided credible testimony and supporting evidence from her spouse, a combat medic, indicating recurrent back pain since service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, cervical disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, and right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis. These conditions are related to the Veteran's Reserve service duties.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and lumbar spine disability. The Board also finds that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating effective September 6, 2007.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to pancreatic and colon cancer, which were not service-connected. The appellant did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability and is remanding the case to further develop evidence related to this condition. The cervical spine issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of signed consent forms for ECT treatments provided from November 29, 2006 to December 11, 2006. The Veteran is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for any additional disabilities caused by these treatments.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back condition, effective from July 17, 2012, is granted. He was previously rated at 20 percent prior to this date.,For the period prior to July 17, 2012, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected back condition is granted, and he is now rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back disability and associated bladder disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sinusitis, asthma, scar of the lumbar spine, and residuals of a breast lumpectomy, have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance. She also has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need. Additionally, she is eligible for specially adapted housing due to her permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for a back disorder. The AOJ should ensure the Notice of Disagreement regarding the November 2013 denial of service connection for a back disorder is associated with his file and provide him with a Statement of the Case if he wishes to appeal this issue.