Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities due to additional evidence received since the May 2009 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing on his claims of service connection for low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for lumbosacral strain was granted, with an initial rating of 40 percent effective October 19, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if his current back condition is related to service. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Board found that the low back disability is not related to service and denied the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disorder is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of his lumbar spine disability and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete examination and treatment records, as well as the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulnar neuropathy of the left arm and low back disability. The claim for increased rating for bilateral foot disorder is pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, effective September 27, 2008. The claim for hepatitis C service connection was granted. The right hip disorder remains rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right shoulder disability, low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, left eye disability (post-surgical scar), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current extent of his low back strain, including any associated neurological dysfunctions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's assertions regarding falls causing his current low back disorder are considered insufficient to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, pterygium of the eyes, and a low back disability have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for the low back disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a medical examination to determine the etiology of his spinal stenosis, arthritis, and disc herniation. The claims will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing and inability to locate him. The file will be returned to his representative for preparation of an informal hearing presentation if he cannot be located.