Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar laminectomy residuals is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination. The criteria for evaluating spine disorders have been amended, so these changes should be considered in the decision.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of revised rating criteria.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, with arthritis. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spondylosis is related to his in-service helicopter accident, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

Your appeal is being remanded due to the veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. Your claim will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed back disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his left knee, left ankle, and low back disabilities. The RO found that the current evaluations of 10 percent are appropriate based on the symptoms described.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral/dorsal spine disorder is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a seizure disorder, and secondary service connection for low back, pelvic tilt, and numbness of the right foot disorders. The appeals were remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, vitiligo, traumatic arthritis of the right knee, and lumbosacral strain. The decision did not address service connection theory or exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear opinions and need for clarification.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his service, including any in-service injury during ACDUTRA. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, right and left shoulder, right and left knee, and hallux valgus disabilities. The current evaluations of 60 percent for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine are not supported by the evidence.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion of the right hip, degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and rotator cuff insufficiency and limitation of motion of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for chronic acquired low back and respiratory disorders need further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for additional development due to missing records and incomplete information.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Board in Washington, DC.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability. The veteran is not shown to have a right ankle disability due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.