Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The case is being remanded for a Decision Review Officer hearing and further development.

The Board found that the submitted evidence was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disorder.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to outstanding medical records and potential revision of disability criteria.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and low back disorder are denied. The claim for service connection of the left knee disorder is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for the right knee disorder is also denied. A low back disorder claim remains pending as further evaluation is required.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a back disorder and a respiratory disorder, including as a result of asbestos exposure. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between any current diagnoses and military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed low back and left knee disabilities.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and residuals of a left acromioclavicular separation, finding new and material evidence. The neck and right shoulder disorders are also addressed with further examination needed.

The Board found that the submitted evidence was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's claims for reopening his service connection for bronchitis with COPD, hypertension, and arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his personnel records and providing him with a VA examination. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also being addressed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his varicose veins and any current back, right shoulder, or herpes zoster disorders. The claims for increased ratings and service connection will be reconsidered after this additional evidence has been obtained.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the issue had not been raised in prior decisions.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and determination of his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and entitlement to accrued benefits, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's chronic low back disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the claim for an effective date prior to January 22, 1990 for service connection of a low back disability. The decision was based on the correct facts and applied the relevant laws and regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ankle injury.