Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and left hand arthritis. However, these issues are REMANDED to allow for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of the veteran's heart and hypertension disorders, as well as his scar, keloid, left hand condition. Additionally, a dermatology examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the veteran's skin disorder other than the scar on his left hand. The cervical spine and low back disability claims are also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the nature, etiology, and extent of any current left shoulder and back disorders.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the evidence does not show that a service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be decided. The veteran's increased disability evaluations for his left elbow strain and chronic lumbosacral strain are being remanded to allow for additional evidence collection, examination, and consideration of the new rating criteria.

The veteran appealed for increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities, including low back disability. The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with VCAA notification and further development is required.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back and/or left knee disorders. The claim for a left ankle disorder was also denied as there is no diagnosis of a chronic left ankle disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and back disorder were not incurred or aggravated during active military service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The case must be remanded due to the need for additional development and adjudication.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to perform all kinds of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for back and left knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied service connection for left hip, left knee, and varicose veins disorders. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was granted to 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and lack of verification for claimed stressors. The veteran is asked to provide more specific information about his alleged stressful events, including dates and full names of involved parties.

The Board has granted the veteran's applications to reopen his claims of service connection for a back disorder and bilateral leg neuropathy. The RO will be directed to attempt to obtain medical records from Drs. C.B. and R.B.

The veteran's low back disability is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection of a low back disability and granted it, based on new medical evidence that supports the veteran's contention that his current condition originated during military service.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration under the revised rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical examinations and opinions regarding her service-connected lumbar strain and costochondritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disorder warrants a 70% rating, and his lumbar spine disorder warrants a 40% rating.