Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The veteran seeks service connection for a back disorder, foot disorder (to include pes planus), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions and whether they are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's medical expenses incurred at a private hospital were authorized by VA and thus, payment is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and ensuring compliance with Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbar disc disease with degenerative changes in July 1990. The evidence submitted since that decision does not present new and material evidence, thus the claim remains denied.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation for the veteran's low back disability from 10 percent to 20 percent, effective September 1995. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration of the amended regulations.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a disability of the low back incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The initial disability evaluation for plantar wart, left foot (fifth toe), was also denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 27, 1993 for the veteran's award of service connection for PTSD. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted by the veteran.

The veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected back disability, which precludes him from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee, low back, and bilateral hip disorders are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee, right hip, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his service-connected right knee condition. The claims for increased rating of the right knee have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for mental disorders, bilateral leg and foot disorders, back disorder, and bilateral hand disorders. The evidence did not support current diagnoses related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective October 13, 2000. The veteran's claim was denied as she sought an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and psychiatric disorder, finding that new evidence did not reopen the previously denied claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural defects and the need for further development of evidence.

The veteran's low back disability is attributable to his service-connected myopathy secondary to Chiari I malformation, syrinx, and cervical stenosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, incorrect application of presumption of soundness, and lack of review of service medical records. The veteran is required to provide evidence linking his current back disability to military service or pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The case is now being considered on its merits.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disorder, which he claims was injured during service. The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran currently has a diagnosed low back disability and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine at L2-L3 and L4-L5.