Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disabilities, as the newly submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of a low back condition, but did not address whether the current evidence was sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back disorder is not related to his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has restored the veteran's original 40% rating for his low back disorder and granted service connection for PTSD. The effective date is to be determined based on the evidence provided.

The veteran's claims of service connection for kidney and back disorders are being considered, with a mixed disposition. The hearing loss claim is also addressed.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his somatoform disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, do not render him individually unemployable.

The veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder, but the appeal is remanded due to incomplete medical records and lack of information about post-service treatment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and cervical spine disorder, finding no nexus to service. The skin disorder claim is not addressed as it does not involve a service connection issue.

The Board found that the veteran's discogenic disease at L4-5 was not incurred or aggravated during his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his low back disorder, which has been rated at 40 percent. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of revised criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar instability with spondylolysis at L5 and degenerative disc disease was rated at 20 percent from November 21, 2002 to May 1, 2003. The appeal is denied as the disability does not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.

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 other issues on appeal are still pending.

The veteran's claims for increased disability rating and service connection were denied. The Board found that her headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, and her claim of an undiagnosed illness was not supported by evidence.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an employment handicap and is already suitably employed, thus denying his claim for vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disorder are being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a distinct left leg disorder, loss of use of legs, or right arm disorder. The symptomatology claimed as left leg disorder and loss of use of legs is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The symptomatology claimed as right arm disorder is related to his non-service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back strain with osteo-arthritic changes was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

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