Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records and opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for cervical spine disability, finding that his current ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record. The claim for PTSD was not discussed in detail as it is a separate issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing medical records and further examination or opinions.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of a back condition, which was previously denied in March 1988. The veteran's representative wishes to appear at a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that it is related to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, or bilateral pes planus that is related to service. The stress fracture of the left foot also did not result in any current disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, chronic sinusitis, plantar warts, and a low back disability. The appeals are dismissed as there is no evidence of in-service or postservice chronic conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for right knee, bilateral ankle, and low back disabilities. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any current mid-to-upper back disability is related to service. The appellant's claim will be reviewed again after this additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, a higher disability evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the right radius and ulna, and a greater rating for low back disorder with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease.

The veteran's appeal regarding service connection for a back condition is being remanded due to the failure to appear at his scheduled hearing.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition as secondary to his service-connected left leg disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication of the claims, including determining whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's service connection claims.

The Board found new and material evidence has been submitted, but the claim is not reopened because it does not establish a link between the current back disability and service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an injury to the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's period of active service.

The Board denied service connection for defective hearing, a left shoulder disability, and a low back disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development due to a hearing issue and VCAA compliance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of heart bypass surgery, hypertension, and PTSD due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and skin rash were also denied as a result of his failure to appear for the examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.