Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the last denial. The RO is now required to adjudicate the merits of the claim on the basis of all available evidence.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded to the RO for a VA examination by an orthopedic specialist.

The veteran's right hip arthritis is found to be related to his service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim of increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains pending due to a need for additional development under VCAA.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hip disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the feet and ankles, neuropathy of the upper extremities, tension headaches, cervical DJD, PTSD, and claudication. The reasons are not provided in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities include bilateral arm disability, left knee disability, back disorder, hypertension, pinched nerve in both lower legs, sleep apnea, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The appeal is granted for all issues.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is remanding the case back to the RO for additional examination and consideration.

The veteran's initial ratings for both service-connected cervical spine disorder and compression fracture at T12 and lumbar strain have been addressed. The Board has remanded the claims to further develop the evidence, including a VA examination of the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service. The veteran's whereabouts are unknown, making it impossible to locate any relevant medical records or witnesses.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently being remanded for additional development of medical records and examinations.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back disability was reopened and granted. He is now eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from February 1, 2002 onward.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of the veteran's psychiatric and back disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury and lumbosacral strain secondary to a right knee injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is related to her service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The RO increased the rating for the veteran's lumbosacral strain from 0 to 10 percent, effective July 3, 2001. The DRO again increased it to 20 percent with the same effective date of July 3, 2001 based on more recent VA outpatient treatment records. The veteran continues to appeal for a higher rating.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury, including headaches as well as nerve damage to the right side of the face and eye, and for a back condition, including numbness of the right leg. The appeals are granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, status post lumbar fusion for spondylolisthesis and possible herniated disc.

The Board determined that the appellant's VA Form 9 was timely and adequate, allowing him to perfect his appeal for service connection claims. The right knee chondromalacia claim is granted with a noncompensable rating.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for obtaining outpatient treatment records and MRI reports from specific VA Medical Centers.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.