Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, left ear hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the initial denial of service connection for a back disability was not final, and thus the case is being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the veteran's low back disorder was related to his military service or his service-connected foot disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and for a noncompensable evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current low back disorder and military service, and concluded that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not interfere with his employability.

The Board found that a chronic low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by the veteran's service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected fracture, left tibia with knee and ankle disability.

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 a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorder was not present during service and is not related to her military service. The claim for scoliosis was denied as there were no records showing treatment or diagnosis of scoliosis in service.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disability. The additional evidence submitted does not provide a basis for reopening the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that it was decided on the merits without any presumption or new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic low back disorder. The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, skin disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral wrist disorder are not currently addressed as they were the subject of a separate remand.

The Board has established service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is related to his period of active service.

The Board has granted the veteran's motion to advance his appeal and remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's back disability as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The status of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and right hand/arm disabilities remains unknown.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, but granted a rating of 20 percent for low back strain.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no medical evidence linking current symptoms to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral spine disability, diagnosed as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis and bulging disc at L4-5, is due to an injury incurred during his period of active military service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed back disability, including whether it is related to his service-connected right leg and left leg conditions.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for low back injury. However, due to a recent court decision invalidating certain regulations, the case is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him capable of engaging in just marginal employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.