Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, skin rash, hearing loss, and tinnitus as secondary to or aggravated by PTSD. The claim of service connection for arthritis in the left shoulder is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural errors and the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a revised C&P examination, and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than March 6, 2003 for service connection of major depressive disorder. The RO is directed to obtain SSA records and Fort Sam Houston, Texas medical records.

The Board has not decided the service connection claims as they are considered to be reopened, but new and material evidence was not provided for either claim. The veteran's psychiatric disability is currently treated, and his back disability continues to be treated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux disease, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The effective date for a 50% disability evaluation for headaches as a manifestation of anxiety neurosis was set at March 20, 2003.

The Board has determined that a 20 percent rating is appropriate for the veteran's lumbosacral strain from July 19, 1995 to March 17, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current degenerative changes of the lumbar spine or gait disorder to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to his service, concluding that it is more likely due to his age and post-service occupation.

The veteran's service-connected spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at L4-L5 with peripheral neuropathy was denied an initial rating in excess of 60 percent from July 31, 2000 to July 1, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing x-ray reports and for an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder.

The veteran's low back disability has been primarily manifested by symptomatology producing limitation of motion with pain, and the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a higher rating under the revised VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide proper notification and development under VCAA, as well as issues regarding the veteran's address. The RO is instructed to ensure compliance with all duties to notify and assist provisions of VCAA.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, with a 40 percent disability rating effective from April 13, 2002. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back injury and left leg disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back injury. The RO also determined that no chronic disability related to these conditions was shown.

The Board has ordered a remand for the veteran to be scheduled for an examination and medical opinion regarding his knee, back, and psychiatric disorders. The case will also be reviewed to determine if there is new evidence that could reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability due to new evidence showing current back disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains denied.,An effective date earlier than July 25, 2003 for non-service connected pension benefits is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.