Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are not related to his service, with the exception of a single incident in 1972 where he reportedly injured his back while falling off a wall. The Board found no evidence supporting a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, osteoarthritis of the sacral and hip joints, and autonomic neuropathy.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the claim for a higher rating has been denied. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Board found that the appellant's current low back disability is not related to an in-service injury or disease, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development and due process concerns, including providing a Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) letter.