Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for left eye aphakia, hypertension, and service connection for right eye cataract, bilateral foot disability, and low back disability were denied. The RO also granted service connection for major depression with a 30 percent evaluation effective September 2, 1999.

The veteran's claim for a non-service-connected pension, including on an extra-schedular basis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current neck and low back disorders to his service, including a fall from a trampoline in Vietnam. The VA examiner concluded that the veteran's conditions were more likely due to aging and heavy manual labor over many years post-service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe intervertebral disc disease with recurring attacks and intermittent relief, warrants a 40 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a right hip disorder, low back disorder, and right leg disorder. The evidence did not show that any of these conditions were aggravated by active service or related to his period of service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection for chloracne, a low back condition, fungus of the left big toenail, and folliculitis of both inner thighs prior to the Board's decision.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for the right knee disability as secondary to the service-connected left knee and low back disabilities. The veteran is now entitled to a higher rating for his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to comply with VCAA notification requirements.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and medical records relied upon in their decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to scheduling issues, and a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO is requested.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for service-connected lumbar strain with spondylosis from March 6, 1995, through August 15, 2001.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder, which was previously denied in February 1978. The Board is now remanding the case to the RO for further development.

The VA surgery to treat the veteran's back condition did not result in additional disability.

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, rib fracture residuals, meningitis, and a back disorder due to lack of competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left leg or low back disability in service and concluded that the veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder existed prior to his enlistment and was not aggravated by service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left lower extremity and low back disorders are due to service or service-connected disabilities, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date, finding that the January 1996 rating decision denying service connection was final and there was no clear and unmistakable error. The RO is instructed to review the claim under both old and new criteria for spine disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.