Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbosacral strain superimposed on congenital anomalies is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including notification of new rating criteria and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development and review due to new evidence received by the VA, including a hearing statement from the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to lack of service medical records and for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral leg disorder, coccygeal strain, and headaches. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide further development.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right knee disability (status-post medial meniscectomy with arthritis) and low back strain, both currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability and ineffective dates prior to September 8, 2001 for service connection for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and low back disability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder and is now considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted. If so, the claim will be granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed for the veteran's service-connected disabilities due to inadequate previous examinations and revisions in evaluation criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to deficiencies in the VCAA notice and assistance provided, as well as incomplete information regarding his employment status.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, effective January 12, 1999. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted in conjunction with his application to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of the veteran's lumbosacral strain. The claim will be reconsidered under both the former and revised applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be adjudicated based on the new criteria effective September 26, 2003.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of secondary service connection for a back disorder, but finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim as his current back condition is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, as there is insufficient medical evidence to definitively establish the nature of his current condition and its relationship to active service. The RO must arrange for an orthopedic examination at an appropriate VA facility.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and residuals of cold injury to the feet. The veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and Social Security Administration records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinea versicolor, right knee disability, residuals of a nerve laceration along the radial aspect of the left index finger, back disability, and chronic headache disability. The RO granted service connection for coronary artery disease, left knee medial meniscal tear, traumatic arthritis of the right acromioclavicular joint, residuals of an arthrotomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joints of each foot with joint debridement for hallux limitus and degenerative joint disease, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure. The RO also denied entitlement to initial compensable disability ratings for these conditions.