Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied increased ratings for gunshot wound residuals of the abdominal and lumbar regions, as well as peritoneal adhesions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the March 1987 denial. The issue is now considered on its merits.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired disorder of the right knee. The veteran's claims regarding a back disorder with arthritis as secondary to a right knee disorder are remanded.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired low back disorder in service or within one year after separation, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin, urinary tract infection, eye, vein, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is reopened.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of either knee, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability. The claims for pes planus and back disability are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The veteran's low back disability is being evaluated based on direct service connection, but there are concerns about whether it was caused or worsened by radiation treatment received in service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hip disability and therefore denied service connection for a hip disorder.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development due to incomplete notification and development under the VCAA.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral strain was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board found no evidence of a current left leg disability or low back disability, and denied service connection for these conditions. The right lower extremity disorder was not addressed in the decision.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the assignment of separate ratings for a left knee disability and service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The initial compensable evaluation for the acute osteomyelitis of the left ileum remains unresolved.

The veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.