Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for further action.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The veteran's claim for additional vocational rehabilitation training is being remanded due to the need for updated medical findings and a review of his employment capabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and to cure a procedural defect. The RO must ensure all VCAA notice obligations have been satisfied, provide the veteran with an orthopedic examination, and readjudicate the issues on appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the extent of his thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of the applicability of revised rating criteria and additional evidence. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability prior to April 19, 2003, and his TDIU claim are pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for a VA orthopedic examination and consideration of the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disability compensation benefits were properly reduced to a 10 percent rate effective February 15, 2000 due to his incarceration for a felony conviction. The combined rating of 40 percent was in effect prior to this reduction.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss, low back disorder, and blood disorder. The evaluation of hepatitis C remains unchanged. The claim for increased evaluation for postoperative residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and right buttock is addressed in the remand.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with herniated disc, currently rated at 40 percent. The Board has determined that additional development and consideration of the case under revised criteria are necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for a back disorder and a compensable rating for left knee strain. The case is being remanded for additional examination and review.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of all issues except for the denial of an annual clothing allowance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, arthritis, leg cramps, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disability. The decision is final as to the low back disability claim since new and material evidence was not submitted.

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

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and a low back disability. The case is now remanded for additional evidence collection and examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his lumbar spine spondylolisthesis with L4-S1 fusion residuals, currently rated at 40 percent.

The veteran meets the criteria for a 60 percent rating for severe injury to the muscles of the lumbar spine in Muscle Group XX.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder. The claim is now reopened.

The Board found no additional disability resulting from the veteran's injuries in April and July 1996, as his current symptoms were attributed to pre-existing conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for eczema, but denied the other claims due to lack of evidence linking the current conditions to military service.