Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder, leading to their remand. The AOJ will consider these claims on the merits.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for right medial tibial stress syndrome, a rating greater than 30 percent for asthma, and a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbar strain with spondylolisthesis and joint space narrowing have been withdrawn. The Veteran has also been granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar radiculopathy, low back pain, spinal stenosis, and bipolar disorder, require regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various orthopedic disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a causal relationship to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that it did not manifest within one year after separation from service and is not related to an in-service injury or disease. The Board also found no secondary service connection due to Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, TDIU prior to March 8, 2021, and earlier effective date for DEA have been dismissed due to the appeal being in a different AMA stream.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, with all reasonable doubt resolved in her favor.

The Veteran's back disability was not productive of unfavorable ankylosis or bed rest, and the reduction from 40% to 20% is granted.,The reduction from 40% to 20% for radiculopathy in both lower extremities is granted. The Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve throughout the period on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of a temporary total rating beyond May 1, 2019 due to lumbar spine surgery. The evidence did not support extending the convalescence period longer than already warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for degenerative disc disease, compression fracture T6 and T10 and left ankle sprain as the evidence does not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings on his back disability, left hip disabilities, and lower extremity nerve radiculopathy were denied. The postoperative back scar was also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for a referral to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration of TDIU and SMC due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for thoracolumbar spine, right and left knee, and right and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to errors in duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various eye, back, knee, hand, and foot conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and chondromalacia patella of the right knee due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The decision is based on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted with a disability rating of 50 percent effective from April 26, 2016.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for other conditions (vertebral fracture and lumbar discectomy, cervical strain, IBS, and bilateral hearing loss) are denied as they were not received within one year after separation from service or earlier.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in this case was inadequate and remands the matter for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is related to his service.

Your appeal for service connection regarding left knee condition, right knee condition, and back condition has been dismissed as the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.