Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied in September 1987, and the decision became final. The Veteran submitted a new claim to reopen this issue on December 20, 2019, which resulted in the grant of service connection effective from December 20, 2019. An earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and migraines, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his in-service fall from a flatbed truck.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and a rating of 70 percent for his PTSD, finding that both conditions are related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in physical impairment requiring regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on two conditions (neck and back) has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's service connection and increased ratings, including a 20% evaluation for lumbar IVDS with lumbar spondylosis, a 40% evaluation for neurogenic bladder, and 10% evaluations for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the lumbosacral disability were inadequate and remanded. The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral feet, ankles, and knees are also remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding functional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the April 2022 decision on appeal. The Board must associate copies of all relevant private treatment records from VistA with the claims file.

The reduction of the rating for lumbar strain from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper, and a 20 percent rating is restored.

The Veteran's asthma and tinnitus were not granted service connection due to lack of evidence showing they began during or immediately after his military service.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the disability to service. The Veteran did not provide any medical records supporting this claim.

The Board has denied service connection for low back strain with mild degenerative changes, and the Veteran's blackout spells (syncope) are being remanded. Service connection for migraine headaches is also being remanded.,Service connection for low back strain was denied due to a lack of evidence linking the current condition to an in-service injury or disease. The Board found that the Veteran's current back pain is more likely related to obesity, age, and deconditioning.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a back condition requires additional development due to duty-to-assist errors, including obtaining records from chiropractors and an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, high blood pressure, right knee disorder, and lumbar disorder due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned for further development.

The effective date prior to October 1, 2012 for the grant of service connection for migraines and PTSD is denied.,The reduction in disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent for pes planus with plantar fasciitis was not proper and is void ab initio.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease L5-S1, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, and GERD, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 12, 2019. As of February 2, 2022, she met the schedular criteria for TDIU.

Service connection is granted for DDD with strain and degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine.,Service connection is granted for right knee degenerative arthritis with post-traumatic changes.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's dry-eye syndrome and xerosis cutis of the bilateral feet are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.,However, his orthopedic disabilities (claimed as arthritis) and bilateral foot disability (hallux valgus) are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete evidence. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate VA examinations, and a new medical opinion is required.