Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for hypertrophic arthritis of the lumbar spine due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current back disability associated with injury, disease or event noted during his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a genitourinary disorder, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions during or after military service, and current diagnoses are not shown.

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

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his chronic lumbar syndrome with L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus was denied. The RO granted an initial 20 percent rating effective September 10, 2004.

The Board found that the appellant's low back and right hip disabilities were not incurred in or as a result of his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased evaluation, but granted a 20 percent evaluation for low back strain with right sacroiliac radiculopathy effective July 2, 1999.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating beyond the granted 40% has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hiatal hernia or back disorder related to his military service. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The veteran's cervical spine disability with degenerative disc disease was granted a combined rating of 30 percent effective September 23, 2002. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disorder during service or within one year after discharge, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disability is not related to his service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim.

The veteran was paid the proper amount of VA benefits while incarcerated, and the appeal for payments in excess of those already received is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent changes in rating criteria.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability. The appellant now has the opportunity to have his case reviewed by VA medical experts.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging appropriate examinations to determine if the veteran's current back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee and back disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date for service connection, finding that there was no communication or action indicating intent to pursue sarcoidosis since the last final disallowance in December 1982.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies in VCAA notice.