Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim is being remanded to complete additional development and provide the necessary notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The RO must ensure all relevant evidence has been obtained, including medical records and information about any treatment for the low back disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to changes in the rating criteria and the need for a VA examination under the new criteria. The RO must also consider the veteran's application for vocational rehabilitation.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at the L5-S1 level is being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder. The veteran's contentions have essentially reiterared his previously considered claims.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and the need for additional evidence. The case is now remanded back to the RO for further evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and low back disability, finding that the conditions did not originate in or were aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is causally related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current arthritis of the lumbar spine to his active duty service or any service-connected condition, and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar of the left posterior chest, but denied claims for back and shoulder disabilities. The appellant's scar is rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability and back disability. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was partially granted, with a 70 percent rating effective from May 15, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional development.

The veteran's low back syndrome and right ankle fracture with limitation of motion have been granted increased evaluations, but the service-connected right ankle disorder remains at a 20% evaluation.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and also denied a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded to the RO for orthopedic and neurologic examinations, among other actions.

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

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and requested evidence. The appeal is currently on hold for additional review.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of any currently diagnosed back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings as his service-connected back and neck disorders did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.