Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for refractive error of the eyes, bilateral eye disability (to include corneal scars), and back disability. The claim for increased rating for right knee injury with degenerative joint disease was also addressed in the remand portion.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is remanded due to incomplete medical records and a lack of VCAA notification.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, sinusitis, and right foot fracture were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic low back strain was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a back disability, specifically herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine. The RO has requested additional medical records and will provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current back disability.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence and the need to consider medical records, including those from his employment at FEMA. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disability, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and right arm and shoulder disability. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and notification as required by the VCAA. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is related to service, and thus granted service connection.,Regarding the back injury claim, the Board found no evidence linking it to service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% evaluation of tinnitus has been granted, and the effective date is set at January 31, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical radiculopathy with degenerative joint disease, finding that it is a qualifying chronic disability presumed to have been incurred as a result of service within one year from the date of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to further development being required before deciding this claim, including obtaining additional evidence and scheduling a hearing for the veteran.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and awarded a 10 percent evaluation, effective from December 20th, 2001. The appeal regarding the low back disability was addressed separately.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral knee and low back disabilities did not pre-exist service, but were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for VCAA compliance and initial consideration of new medical evidence. The claim will be reconsidered based on the additional information provided.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder prior to July 26, 1999. The maximum allowable under the revised criteria at that time.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's low back disability prior to September 28, 2000. The issue of a higher rating after that date is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The psychiatric disability is presumed due to its onset within one year of discharge from service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, psychiatric disorder claimed as secondary to tinnitus, and stomach condition. The decision also noted that evidence submitted since June 1999 was not new and material.