Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has restored a 40 percent disability rating for the veteran's low back strain from December 1, 2003 to December 12, 2006 based on new evidence showing significant improvement in his condition.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, effective October 2, 2002. The low back disability remains at 40 percent.

The veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a fractured right ring finger, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted with respective 10% ratings. Other service connection claims remain unresolved.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he did not have an employment handicap and his service-connected disabilities were not impairing his ability to prepare, obtain or retain suitable employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a back disorder, and hypercholesterolemia. The decision found no evidence of chronic disability resulting from an injury or disease in service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the loss of his service medical records and the need to reconstruct his file. The RO will attempt to locate alternative sources of information.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied a claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for the veteran's low back disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for low back pain and assigned a 10 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction. The veteran's GERD and bilateral hearing loss were already granted with noncompensable ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability was not incurred or aggravated in service and is otherwise unrelated to his service. The claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for migraine headaches, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current low back disorder is related to service, and denied the claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of her bilateral foot disorder and to determine the etiology of her back condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, particularly regarding his lumbar spine condition and its impact on his employability.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues on appeal, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, low back disorder, right wrist injury, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the veteran's claimed low back disorder and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current low back and neck conditions are related to service. The claim will be re-adjudicated after a VA examination is conducted.