Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination regarding service connection for low back, right knee, and right shoulder disorders.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an initial compensable rating for residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy, including scarring, due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease and left L5-S1 radiculopathy prior to October 29, 2003 was denied. The RO found that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the old rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to evaluate his service-connected mechanical low back pain and residuals of a left ankle fracture. The RO must also review the claims files and re-adjudicate the veteran's claims under both former and current rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his knee disabilities and service connection for a low back disorder as secondary to his knee conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right leg disorder, hearing loss, and low back disorder. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional information from the veteran. The issues of service connection for low back pain and right hip injury are still pending.

The Board found that there was no current low back disorder and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the veteran's service and any current condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a low back disorder was denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including optic neuritis, glaucoma, diplopia, and a right eye cataract due to multiple sclerosis, weakness of the Right Lower Extremity (RLE), weakness of the Right Upper Extremity (RUE), weakness of the Left Lower Extremity (LLE), and lumbosacral strain due to multiple sclerosis, are all rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his service-connected disabilities, including right leg disability. The issue of service connection for a right leg disability must also be addressed.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the service-connected low back disability and has denied an initial compensable evaluation for the service-connected left plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for lumbar spine disability, finding that new and material evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a right ankle dislocation, cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and gunshot wound to the abdomen. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in any of these cases.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder and back disorder are secondary to his service-connected left knee arthroscopy with anterior cruciate ligament repair.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar strain, right shoulder condition, and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has received notification of a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant's representative prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic low back syndrome warrants a 60 percent disability rating, effective from February 9, 2004.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for schizophrenia due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection was not granted for low back condition or coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to evaluate the veteran's claims under the correct rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.