Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and degenerative changes, as well as for a TDIU effective date earlier than July 24, 2001, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and information.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the veteran has a current psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities and whether he can secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's low back, neck, diabetes mellitus Type II, and hepatitis C disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no medical evidence establishing a nexus between military service and current low back symptoms. The bilateral leg disorder claim is also denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disorder, including spondylolisthesis and arthrodesis at L5-S1, was not incurred in or a result of military service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spinal stenosis and disc disease as secondary to the service-connected lumbosacral strain, and has assigned a 40 percent rating for the lumbosacral strain. The effective date remains pending.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, diverticulosis, a laceration of the left ring finger, skin disorders of the feet, and lipomas. The case has been remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not incurred in or aggravated during service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip, low back, and right shoulder disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and application of new criteria. The veteran is advised that he should assist in this process.

The veteran's claims for hepatitis A and B, as well as low back sprain, have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for the low back sprain but denied for hepatitis A and B.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including retrieving medical records and obtaining employment medical records.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability. The claim is now considered in light of all the evidence, including recent medical records from Dr. Ludwig.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective September 21, 1994, based on his service-connected back disorder. The earliest possible date of entitlement to a TDIU was established as September 21, 1994.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service, while his back disorder is not shown to have been present in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development and readjudication due to issues related to service connection, new evidence, and evaluations of hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and instructed the RO to obtain additional VA treatment records for a low back disability. The claim will be reviewed again after obtaining these records.