Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure compliance with the notice and duty-to-assist provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification of his ability to perform activities of daily living and whether his service-connected lumbar spine disability alone qualifies him as housebound or requiring aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's claimed bilateral pes planus, a back disorder, and residuals of asbestos exposure. The claims were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The veteran's low back disorder and ankle fractures are not service-connected. The RO denied his claims for increased ratings and TDIU.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar disc disease and left ankle strain, as well as his claim for TDIU. The current ratings of 40 percent for lumbar disc disease and 10 percent for left ankle strain are deemed sufficient to reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found no evidence of current disability with respect to the veteran's hands, knees or right hip. The Board denied service connection for arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, and arthritis of the thoracic spine, hands, knees, and hips as there was a complete absence of competent medical evidence relating these disabilities to any incident, injury or disease of active military service.

The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in the veteran's current back condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legal interpretations and incomplete VCAA notification. The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is on appeal, as well as his tinnitus rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and to determine if further examination is necessary.

The RO granted a 60 percent disability rating for the service-connected residuals of a low back injury, effective from May 26, 2002. The RO also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, effective from May 26, 2002.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, chronic back disorder, and fibromyalgia. The VA found no objective indications of chronic disability that could not be attributed to any known clinical diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability did not have its onset during service and is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip disorders and PTSD, but denied his claim for a back disorder. The bilateral hip disorders are found to be related to an accident during service, while PTSD is linked to another incident during service. Service connection for the back disorder was not established.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right eye disability and low back disability were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected condition. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence to support service connection for left knee disability or degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability and bilateral ankle weakness were not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and further examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, dysthymic disorder or depression, tinnitus, hypertension, and irregular heartbeat. The SMRs were silent on these conditions during active duty, and there was no evidence linking them to service.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection due to cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, finding no new and material evidence.