Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development of his case.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is associated with his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 40% disability rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability effective November 1, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's back and hip disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is related to his active military service, specifically his combat flying missions in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his service-connected low back, left knee, and right ankle disorders is being remanded due to the need for updated examinations and consideration of revised rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including records from SSA and private medical providers.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence, and finds that his current low back arthritis and degenerative disc disease are related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral spine disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation from March 23, 1999 to November 16, 2003 and a 60 percent evaluation from November 17, 2003 onwards.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for proper VCAA notification and compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The veteran's appeal on service connection for a right shoulder disability has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The low back and loss of four fingers of the left hand secondary to a low back disability issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain VA treatment records from the Brooklyn, New York VA Medical Center for a low back disability. The veteran's claim will be reviewed again after these records are obtained.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and granted it as the evidence shows that the veteran's altered gait from his service-connected left foot disability causes low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on a finding that he is permanently housebound, as there was no evidence showing he needed constant help with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased evaluations of her service-connected lower back and cervical spine disorders, finding that no increase in disability was factually ascertainable prior to June 11, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical examinations and evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for head injuries, scars, and a low back disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, which was previously denied in August 1961. The decision is based on medical opinions provided by private physicians.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating and temporary total evaluations due to service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc and joint disease was granted, effective September 23, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bicipital tenosynovitis of the right shoulder is service related, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The low back and neck disorders are being remanded as issues.