Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection, effective dates earlier than specified dates, and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's claim of CUE in the September 1975 rating decision, which reduced his disability rating for chronic low back sprain from 10 percent to noncompensable, is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing service medical records and outstanding private medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis for each claimed condition and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. Therefore, service connection is denied for all claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The veteran's low back disorder is still under review.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions. The RO has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, but the cervical-thoracic spine and right shoulder disabilities are not currently rated under the old criteria due to their protected status. The case is being remanded for further development including additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and due process concerns.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disability and has denied increased evaluations for asthma. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim for service connection of a chronic low back disorder, and denied his increased evaluation for left knee fracture residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease, is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The Board also found no evidence of a current foot disorder.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar strain with L5-S1 disc protrusion and degenerative disc disease was granted, with the effective date set at September 23, 2002. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy claims were also granted, each receiving a 40 percent evaluation as of September 23, 2002.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder during service and concluded that the current condition is not related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 40 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease with slight lumbar scoliosis and spondylosis at L4-L5 and L5-S1, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and incomplete information regarding stressors and medical records.

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