Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective June 2, 1995. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 40 percent rating from the same date. The dorsal spine and right knee disabilities are both rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability involving bilateral hearing loss for which service connection could be granted under governing regulation.

The veteran's right eye injury was resolved without residual disability. The lumbar spine disability is productive of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and arthritis of both shoulders, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence, with the exception of his claim for PTSD which was granted.

The veteran's appeal is about whether he should receive a higher evaluation for his lumbar strain with L5-S1 disc protrusion. The RO has not yet considered the claim and needs to provide additional information or examination as required by law.

The veteran is contesting the propriety of the RO's decision to reduce his rating for low back disability from 10 to 0 percent effective June 4, 1955. The Board has ordered remand to review this issue.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and readjudication, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting comprehensive VA specialty examinations.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for depression and remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination. The claims for increased rating for lumbosacral strain and total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are also being remanded.

The Board denied increased evaluations for chronic lumbar strain and degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, finding that the veteran's conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on his symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional information and arrange for a special orthopedic examination of the veteran. The veteran's claim is still pending as service connection for his low back disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to July 23, 1998. The combined disability rating was 50 percent and there is no evidence that his disabilities precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar and thoracic spine disorder, finding no evidence of such condition in service or that it was caused by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disorder was granted with an effective date of June 15, 2000.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The case must be returned for further examination and consideration of all relevant factors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and a compensable rating for his right foot fractures. The RO will conduct additional development as requested, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the veteran's current back disorder and right foot conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right left knee, and left knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.