Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 1, 2001 for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities, finding that they are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a lumbosacral disc syndrome related to service or due to, or aggravated by his service-connected osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. As such, the claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and training benefits, finding that he has overcome the effects of impairment of unemployability through employment in an occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected conditions, which include COPD, hypertension, visual impairment, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and other chronic health issues.

The veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased rating for bursitis of the right shoulder prior to August 22, 2003 and another for IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine as of that date. The decision is mixed, with some aspects granted and others not.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back disorder, finding no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for low back arthritis as secondary to left knee injury residuals, postoperative total knee arthroplasty.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to decide the claim for service connection for a back disorder, including determining if the current condition is related to a pre-existing defect or disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder and low back disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a hydrocele, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of secondary service connection for residuals of hysterectomy, finding that it is at least as likely as not that her total abdominal hysterectomy was caused by or aggravated by her service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease. The other issues regarding increased disability ratings and secondary service connection are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination by an orthopedic physician.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's low back disability and right hip disability, including whether they are related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spondylosis is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine and a compensable initial rating for residuals of a right fibula fracture. The claim for increased ratings for postoperative varicose veins is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to service or any incident therein.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his right elbow and shoulder injuries, as well as his claims to reopen service connection for back and cervical spine disabilities. The RO had previously denied these claims in October 1993.

The Board denied both claims for service connection, finding no evidence of a chronic low back disorder or neuropathy in service that could be linked to current conditions.