Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The veteran's low back disability and lumbar radiculopathy were evaluated, but the RO found that neither condition warranted an evaluation in excess of 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively. The decision is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for Social Security Administration records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VCAA letter, a VA examination to assess the veteran's service-connected low back strain, and consideration of the September 2003 amendments to the rating criteria for the spine.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury and granted it, finding new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of VCAA notice, and need for additional medical evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from septic arthritis, which was listed on his death certificate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's service connection claim for a low back disorder. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain any outstanding service medical records and treatment records from the date of discharge in 1982.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to an effective date of March 24, 2004 for the grant of service connection for lumbar disc disease with right radicular pain. The February 1993 rating decision denying service connection was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a left elbow disability, and the calluses of the feet and back disability were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability more nearly approximates unfavorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine, warranting a 50% rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for post-operative residuals of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, effective October 3, 2002. The veteran's right lumbosacral radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an increased evaluation of 50% for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The right knee disability appeal was withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lower back disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, including arthritis, was incurred during active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a low back or left leg disability incurred in service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of claims.

The Board has denied all claims for service connection, as there is no medical evidence linking the claimed conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not constitute an employment handicap, and therefore he is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a motor vehicle accident, including headaches, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, mild joint space narrowing of the bilateral shoulders, and dizziness are granted. The claim for service connection for panic attacks as a residual of a motor vehicle accident is denied.