Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to VCAA requirements, including a VA medical examination and readjudication of the service connection claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates were granted, with the exception of his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for rhinitis, cardiac dysfunction, and insomnia (claimed as fatigue), multiple joint pain (claimed as fatigue), a psychiatric disorder (claimed as fatigue), and headaches (claimed as fatigue).

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow arthritis, low back disability, right wrist disability, and bilateral hip disability. The claim for PTSD is being referred to the RO for further consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims file, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The RO will also analyze the claim under the revised rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining updated medical records.

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

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorders are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional evidence from the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's back disability existed prior to his ADT and did not worsen during or as a result of his service, thus denying service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and support documentation from Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, a neck disorder claimed as the residuals of a frozen head, and a foot disorder claimed as trench foot. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for the residuals of a right herniorrhaphy with tender and painful scarring was also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and pelvic disorder are denied. The claim for an original compensable evaluation for thyroid disorder prior to December 31, 2003 is not granted. However, the claim for an original evaluation in excess of 10 percent for thyroid disorder since December 31, 2003 is granted.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities to his service, including multiple parachute jumps. The claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including a total abdominal hysterectomy, bladder disability, low back disability, hypertension, Raynaud's disease, hallux valgus of the right foot, and hemorrhoids. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and review the claims on appeal, with particular attention given to the new rating criteria for spine conditions.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back disability, as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disorder, effective November 29, 2002. The veteran's claim was initially denied in April 2002 and subsequently increased to 20 percent by an August 2003 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete development of evidence. The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain is pending.