Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for reopening his shoulder disability claim and service connection for a back disability, currently characterized as lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied service connection for a postoperative back disorder and bilateral tinea pedis. The veteran's claim was reopened, but the new evidence did not establish service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VCAA notice and development of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic back disorder and chronic headaches. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, hypertension, bilateral knee disability, and right wrist disorder. They also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims of service connection for low back and left wrist disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and TDIU due to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The RO found that there was no evidence linking the claimed low back disorder to his service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new VA regulations and additional evidence, but the veteran's claim for increased evaluation of his service-connected low back disability remains pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded to the RO for examinations and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability, and thus grants the reopening of the claim.

The veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his nerve disorder (including peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome), were not found to be related to service or exposure to chemical herbicides. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder, tuberculosis, and pain and numbness affecting the lower extremities secondary to service-connected varicose veins. The claim regarding the lumbar spine disorder was also addressed in the decision.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending requests for additional evidence. The appeal is currently remanded and will be reviewed by the RO.

The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete records and the need for an examination. The case is now remanded for additional development.

The veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability. The issue of a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities will be remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, but reopened the claim based on additional medical records. The RO then determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the veteran's current lumbosacral spine disorder and his active service.

The veteran's case is being remanded for further development due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain service medical records and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the veteran's claimed disabilities involving his back, neck, and dental conditions.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's service connection for mechanical low back pain. The case is now remanded for additional examination and review.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional service personnel records and a medical examination. The case is now remanded for these actions.