Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, left foot blisters, and a back disorder. The decision is based on the absence of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the last denial. The case is now remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and low back disorder were denied, while his claim for noncompensable rating for pes planus was granted.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date of May 17, 1996 for his TDIU rating. The appeal is about service connection on the merits and not related to any specific exposure basis or presumption.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired low back disorder and anatomical loss of the left eye, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for dysthymia, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radicular syndrome, medial epicondylitis of both elbows, and acromioclavicular joint arthrosis were denied by the RO.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The Court has now granted a Motion for Remand, requiring additional VCAA compliance and further development of the case.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical and lumbar paravertebral spine disorders were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, as they preexisted entrance into service. The condition was presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder and low back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, and bilateral hearing loss is not related to service. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a coccyx injury with low back problems and bilateral defective hearing, as well as his requests for compensable disability ratings for otitis media and a fractured finger. The decision also addressed the reopening of the claim for service connection for bilateral defective hearing.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, a low back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. However, it found that new evidence does not establish these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 100% evaluation, effective from March 1998. The veteran's other claims are pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for lumbar disc disease, which is now granted.

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions. The Board has ordered additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and treatment history.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and to obtain a VA spine examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The other claims for an upper back disability and impotence are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending evidence and procedural issues. The case is now remanded for additional development at the RO level.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions originated during wartime service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to a service-connected low back strain. The veteran's current claim for a compensable evaluation for his low back strain is remanded due to the need for additional development.