Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the appeal is dismissed due to a lack of timely substantive appeal for the initial evaluation of acne vulgaris. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of any back disorder shown in service. If such a disorder is found, it will be considered as directly related to military service.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed conditions and denied all service connection claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates for his service-connected thoracic and lumbosacral strain disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation or earlier effective date.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, which is primarily manifested by back pain and limited motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for impaired vision and a back disability claimed as muscle spasms were denied. The claim for PTSD resulted in a rating of 30 percent, effective from August 25, 1992.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, which was previously rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and arthritis, and the claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The veteran's appeal is currently pending.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a back injury and right knee disorder, finding that the arthritis in the low back was incurred during service but not attributing the right knee disorder to military service.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation of his spine disorder, including a review of new criteria under the revised spine regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests that additional medical records be obtained, as well as a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's VR&E benefits were initially denied due to a determination of no serious employment handicap. The RO has now determined there is a material change in his disability level, and the case is being remanded for further review.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee osteochondritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, both rated at 20 percent. The appeals are based on direct service connection.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board is remanding the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and informing the veteran of his right to submit any additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for scoliosis, finding that his current low back disability was not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The low back disability, including degenerative changes or arthritis, was also not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.