Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back injury residuals, including lumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar spondylosis, originated during active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder. The claim will be further evaluated on its merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis and radiculitis was incurred in service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability, finding that his current condition is not related to any incident in service.

The Board found that the veteran's low back strain did not have its onset during service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected and renders him eligible for a TDIU rating. The RO has scheduled the veteran for an examination to determine if his disability precludes him from performing substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current chronic low back disability is due to an in-service injury, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to changes in the law and need for updated examinations.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for the service-connected traumatic arthritis and degenerative discogenic disease of the lumbar spine, effective prior to September 23, 2002. The other issues were not addressed as they are being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the severity of his service-connected back disability and any associated neurologic manifestations.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as discogenic low back pain, began in service and is therefore considered to be incurred therein. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

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 VA determined that there is no evidence of an injury or disease in service, and the Board found that competent medical evidence does not reveal a low back disorder related to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar-sacral spine, and pes planus.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred or aggravated during service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims for right shoulder, ankle fracture, and low back disorders.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a lumbar puncture and spondylolysis of L4, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to her active duty.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and neck scarring, including as due to exposure to herbicide are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's claim for a total rating by reason of individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling the veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for low back pain, finding no new and material evidence that would support a grant of service connection.