Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain, finding that neither condition was attributable to his service-connected lumbosacral strain or active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are not related to his military service, and therefore denied the claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a chronic acquired disorder of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected shell fragment wounds (SFWS) of the abdomen with penetration of the liver and injury to muscle group XIX, finding that there was no causal relationship between these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented since the May 1994 RO decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of corroborating evidence. The issue of an increased rating for low back disability is pending and will be addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service cervical spine injury, and service connection for residuals of a low back injury is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the medical record to address issues related to service connection and increased rating for post-concussion syndrome, as well as entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found no current low back disorder and denied service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims regarding service connection for a back condition and his entitlement to an earlier effective date for TDIU. The decisions were based on existing statutes, regulations, and evidence at the time.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and other issues.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and residuals of a broken left leg, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or a current disability within one year of discharge.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no direct evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service. The examiner opined that any degenerative disc disease and spondylosis were unrelated to the injury in 1996.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a right hip disability on secondary basis, finding that the conditions were not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has reviewed the claims for service connection and found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen any of the previously denied claims. The veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is service-connected, with no dispute over other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum to a VA examination report and considering any additional information obtained as a result of this remand.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder secondary to a shell fragment wound to his left buttock, and also granted him service connection for intermittent numbness in his left leg.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder secondary to a shell fragment wound to the left buttock. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability and bipolar disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for an increased rating for bipolar disorder was not timely appealed.