Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a low back disorder.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's low back disorder is related to service, and has ordered a VA examination.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the service-connected low back disability, finding that it more nearly approximates lumbosacral strain with characteristic pain on motion.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all claims in appellate status.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back strain, currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly assess the severity of his condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran also has pending issues regarding initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbar strain with DDD and residuals of right mid-tibia fracture with right ankle sprain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her right ankle and back disabilities, finding that the evidence does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and low back disability. However, the evidence does not establish service connection for either condition.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back or kidney disability related to service, and denied the veteran's claims.

The veteran's low back disability was rated at 10% prior to May 30, 2000 and increased to 20% after that date.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied on the basis that it was not well grounded. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, schedule the veteran for an orthopedic examination, and then readjudicate the claim in light of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations. The issues of increased ratings for low back disability and PTSD are being readjudicated.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including obtaining medical records and employment information. The veteran will undergo a VA examination to assess his service-connected low back disability and determine if he qualifies for a TDIU rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there was no chronic condition in service and insufficient evidence to link current symptoms to service.

The Board has held that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury. The case is remanded to ensure due process and to obtain additional medical opinions.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, with left sciatic radiculopathy, status post diskectomy, left L4-L5 and L5-S1, is currently rated at 60 percent. This rating reflects pronounced symptoms including pain, muscle spasms, weakness, and limited range of motion.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the left foot, cervical spine, dorsal spine, and lumbar spine in April 1987 due to lack of evidence within one year post-service and non-traumatic nature. The veteran's motion argues that CUE was made in this decision.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current back, right knee, and right ankle disorders and his military service. The claims for service connection were denied.