Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease, L4-5, finding that the veteran's symptoms include daily back pain, radiating to lower extremities, loss of work due to flare-ups requiring bed rest, and limitation of motion. The current rating is based on the severity of his disability as per VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the lumbar spine was aggravated by his service-connected right and left total knee replacements, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, lumbosacral spine disability, and shoulder disability. The evidence did not support a direct relationship between these disabilities and the veteran's active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from the former VA outpatient clinic on Ryerson Street in New York and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and headaches, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for the RO to review and reconsider the claims of service connection for an eye condition due to mustard gas exposure and a low back disorder, including considering all submitted evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and did not address the issue of reopening the claim for right knee arthroscopy due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed disabilities, including back, left knee, right ankle, and right wrist disabilities. The service connection claims for these conditions are denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA decision and medical records, and providing notification under the VCAA.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in VA rating criteria and incomplete information regarding neurologic impairment.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left hip, as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability, was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The case is being remanded to determine whether the veteran's low back disability should be rated higher.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and glaucoma are not service-connected as they were not present during his period of active military service or for many years thereafter.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including providing VCAA notice as required.

The veteran's service connection claims for bilateral pes planus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a low back disability are all granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a hearing before the RO, and will not make a decision on the merits until further notice.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that the current evaluation of 20 percent is appropriate based on the symptoms described, which include pain and slight limitation of motion causing restricted activities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as reconsideration of the claim based on new evidence.