Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his hemorrhoids did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The right ear hearing loss was not related to military service, nor were the back or neck conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's current low back disability, including L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The evidence did not establish a link between any incident during service and his current condition.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for either a back condition or PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for scars of the right index finger and left ring finger, but denied service connection for neck disability and upper back disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for proper consideration of her TDIU claim, including a VA examination and additional development of her service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's back disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent disabling for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, has been found to not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence and examination findings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ear infection or chloracne related to service. The claim of service connection for chloracne was withdrawn by the veteran, and the final denial of service connection for a right shoulder disability remains unchanged.

The veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that his disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of significant neurological impairment or incapacitating episodes.

The Board found that the veteran's back, leg, and head disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that additional notice and development are necessary prior to adjudication of the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and chronic low back disability, variously diagnosed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and evaluation of her left knee disorder, finding that there was no current chronic low back disorder related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion to determine if the veteran's low back disability is related to his service.

The veteran's low back disability was rated at 20% prior to September 26, 2003 and increased to 40% on and after that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with notice of the definition of new and material evidence. The claims for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain and reopening a claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a higher rating of 20 percent, effective from the date of the remand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, neck disability, low back disability, and leg disability. The Board found that these disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's current lumbar spine disorder and eye injury are not related to service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that it was not ascertainable before March 2003 that a 60% rating for service-connected back disability or TDIU were warranted, and thus denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date.