Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Board finds a need for a VA examination regarding his obstructive sleep apnea.

The rating for radiculopathy of the right side femoral nerve was reduced from 10 to 0 percent, but it has been restored. The proposed reduction of lumbar strain evaluation from 40 to 20 percent is dismissed.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis is due to in-service lumbar punctures and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right ring finger disability is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of a right little finger fracture is denied. The VA examiner found no functional impairment in the right ring finger, and thus no entitlement to a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back condition as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with right foot plantar fasciitis, right and left foot hallux valgus, and right and left knee conditions.

The Board has found that the VA examinations obtained prior to the January 2022 rating decision were inadequate and thus remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, back condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition as there is no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied effective dates prior to September 29, 2020 for the awards of a 20% rating for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and a 40% rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Veteran's claims were based on VA examinations conducted in November 2020 that showed worsening symptoms, including pain and limited mobility.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate statement of reasons and bases for denying a higher rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claim is being returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not result in the need for regular aid and attendance or permanent bedridden status at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, total hip arthroplasty, OSA, lumbar DDD with L4-S1 bulge, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and avascular necrosis of the right hip, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for cervical spine disability due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in May 2004 and June 2004 rating decisions, finding no CUE.

The Veteran is granted earlier effective dates of March 28, 2019 for a 70% rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and a 20% rating for Lumbosacral Strain.,These ratings are based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions being manifested since her discharge from active service.

The Veteran's claims for individual unemployability and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to May 7, 2018 are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The case must be referred to the Director of Compensation Services for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for back, neck, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to obtain VA medical opinions and examinations prior to the March 2022 rating decision.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, which preclude locomotion without the aid of a cane. The issue of eligibility for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a kidney disorder. The claims are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for an effective date prior to December 27, 2022 and for a higher initial evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.