Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and his claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner and reviewing additional private medical records provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development. The primary issues are whether service connection is warranted for a bilateral foot disorder and tinnitus, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for chronic low back strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The case is being returned to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental VA medical opinion. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider the need for SMC based on aid and attendance due to his low back disability, as well as the possibility of a total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (p).

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for left shoulder disability and degenerative disc disease with spurring and bulging disc of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine were granted, but no higher as of August 11, 2010.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective June 25, 2009. He was granted a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity neurologic impairment associated with the lumbar spine disability.,His right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and readjudicating his claims. The case will be returned to the Board after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent evaluation from July 21, 2006 until December 16, 2008. From December 16, 2008, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for her cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity has been rated at 40 percent since April 25, 2012. The Board found that his condition did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to the RO for additional action regarding his claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a headache disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral Achilles tendonitis and a low back disorder, combine to provide him with at least a 60 percent rating. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic back disability did not have its onset during active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination and an incorrect factual basis used by the examiner.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's back disability, and thus denied this claim.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, including a review of his in-service injury and any outstanding treatment records. The case is being remanded for these purposes.