Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a nose fracture, service connection for allergic rhinitis, low back pain, and residuals of frostbite to his ears. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete Social Security Administration records and other procedural issues.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits due to the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not meet the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and right hip, both secondary to his service-connected status post right ankle fracture. The claim for a higher rating for the right ankle disorder is also denied.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation for service-connected low back strain is being remanded due to the need for current medical findings consistent with the revised rating criteria and proper application of VCAA notice.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right ankle disorder and low back disorder, finding that there is no competent evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to VCAA compliance issues and a need for further examination regarding prostatitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and attempting to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's back disability. The case is now being sent for additional examination and review.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder and is now considering its merits. The veteran's cervical spine condition was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral arch disability. The veteran was granted service connection for tension headaches and left shoulder disability but with noncompensable ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further examination and review of his claims file, including for an adequate VA examination regarding cervical spine disability and low back strain. The veteran also has raised additional issues that are not currently before the Board.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee spondylosis, left hip disorder, and back disorder are not related to his service-connected right knee disability. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found new and material evidence to justify reopening the veteran's claim for a back disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder is remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic acquired low back disorder, which included scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, was aggravated by his active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic low back disability and bilateral pes planus, but finds that additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding service connection for a psychiatric disability on secondary basis and an earlier effective date for mechanical low back pain, finding that no timely substantive appeal was filed.

The veteran's back disability requires a temporary total rating for convalescence following his hospitalization from June 6, 1994 to July 6, 1994. The Board granted this claim based on the recommendation of his treating physician.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disabilities of the cervical and lumbar spine were incurred in service, specifically due to motor vehicle accidents during active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.