Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected lumbosacral strain and keratoconus of the right eye, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for inguinal hernia, back disorder, and left leg disorder as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing, and the appeal is now with the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC).

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder during service and denied the claim. For the fracture of the left fifth metacarpal, the Board noted that there was no limitation of motion or arthritis, thus denying a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disability is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and workers' compensation records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and consideration of the revised general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and name changes.

The veteran's low back strain was evaluated by the VA, resulting in a mixed decision with some issues granted and others not.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the veteran's testimony and need for an addendum from a VA physician.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's current low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear medical history and need for further review by a VA specialist.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of his military service. Service connection is denied for all issues raised in this appeal.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar myofascial pain as there is no current evidence of a disability and the veteran's complaints are not supported by medical findings.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for chronic low back pain with degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the left knee are being remanded to allow for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability. The effective date is not specified.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, not related to his service, require the regular aid and attendance of another person. His effective date for special monthly pension benefits is set at January 31, 2001.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is service-connected, and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent. The other issues are addressed in the remand portion of this decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for eczematoid dermatitis and chronic lumbosacral strain, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, have been granted. The effective date for the TDIU is August 5, 2000.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of a back disorder, but denied the claim on the merits.