Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired low back disability, higher initial ratings for bilateral inguinal hernia and nasal obstruction with related chronic sinusitis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in the current appeal, including obtaining VA treatment records and identifying medical providers who have treated the appellant for his spine issues. The case will be remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine, service connection for depressive disorder and hemorrhoids, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The claim for gastrointestinal disorder was not addressed as it related to a different issue.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining medical records from various providers and scheduling an examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine and a psychiatric disorder, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spine disability and coronary artery disease were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations to clarify the nature and etiology of her hip and back conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than 40 percent, as it did not result in ankylosis, bony fixation of the spine, residuals of vertebra fracture, incapacitating episodes, or neurologic involvement.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness with blackouts and a back disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have any residual disabilities resulting from service-connected conditions, including a head injury, low back disability, right ankle disorder, and left shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbosacral spine disability, including residuals of a discectomy of the lumbosacral spine with degenerative changes, may be related to his in-service motor vehicle accident. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher than 60 percent rating prior to December 9, 1994.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, bilateral shoulders, knees, hands, wrists, elbows, feet, hips, and lumbar spine. The veteran's arthritis was not found to have originated during or within one year after his military service.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder and finds that new evidence submitted since the last final denial supports reopening of the claim. The Board will now review the merits of the claim on its own.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The Board also found that the effective date of the grant of service connection for peptic ulcer disease with gastroesophageal reflux should be November 9, 1993.

The veteran seeks an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected low back injury residuals. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including a VA examination and consideration of the revised spine rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hand and wrist disorder, but denied service connection for a left hand and wrist disorder. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and lumbar disc disabilities are remanded for further development.