Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disability, but denied his request for an increased rating. The RO also established service connection for left knee and hip degenerative joint disease related to the low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability, finding that no claim was filed prior to April 27, 2000.

The veteran's claims for service connection for back and left knee disabilities were not reopened, but his PTSD claim was granted with an initial rating of 10 percent. His hearing loss and tinnitus claims are still pending.

The veteran's request for a personal hearing before the Board by videoconference has been granted, and his case is being remanded to allow this.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The appellant's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes is being reconsidered, as are issues related to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if service connection can be established for a back disorder, psychiatric disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been characterized by frequent attacks occurring once a month, qualifying for a 30 percent disability rating. The initial 10 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is maintained.

The veteran's application for RH insurance was not received within two years of the August 1997 notice that he had been granted service connection for spine disabilities at compensable evaluations, and thus did not meet the eligibility requirements.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disorder, and hypertension. The RO will obtain complete service medical records and any relevant personnel records from the service department, as well as post-service medical records. They will also schedule the veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, but the veteran's original claim of service connection remains denied.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claims for residuals of a testicle injury, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, bilateral pes cavus and bilateral ankle disability.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disorder. The Court has now remanded this issue, requiring the RO to comply with VCAA requirements and readjudicate the case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the veteran's low back disability.

The veteran's initial and increased evaluations for cervical spine disability from noncompensable to 20 percent effective in June 2002, and lumbosacral spine disability from 10 to 20 percent effective in June 2002 have been granted.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disorder. The case has been remanded due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information from SSA.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine strain and disc disease. The RO has requested an examination to assess the severity of his condition, but the current evaluation does not reflect the full extent of his symptoms.

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 specific actions, including obtaining medical records from a VA clinic in Beaumont, Texas, and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes in February 1998. The RO reopened his claim on July 21, 1998, and assigned that date as the effective date of his award.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee degenerative changes and lumbosacral strain syndrome, both secondary to his service-connected left medial meniscectomy with traumatic arthritis.