Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his headache disorder and low back disability, as well as service connection for joint pain, muscle soreness, aches, weakness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and skin rash due to undiagnosed illnesses. The evidence did not support an evaluation greater than 10 percent for headaches or a rating greater than 20 percent for the low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is less likely due to a fall in service but can be attributed to wear and tear. The hip disorder claim was denied as there was no competent evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and back disabilities are not well-grounded, as there is no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and tendonitis, left shoulder. The RO assigned a 20 percent evaluation for the lumbosacral strain.

The veteran's bilateral shin splint disability and low back disorder are found to be related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 30, 1997, for assignment of a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The RO increased the disability ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine disability from January 30, 1997, resulting in a combined service-connected disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for a back condition and bronchitis are not well-grounded, as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the August 1996 rating decision regarding CUE in the December 1985 rating decision. The claim for service connection was not reopened.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and an increased rating for postoperative residuals of arthrotomy, right knee. The hypertension case was rated as 100% disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), but denied claims of service connection for impotence, stomach disorder, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disorder. The rating for osteochondritis dissecans of the left knee is increased to 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss disability and a low back condition, finding that there was no current disability or evidence linking these conditions to service. The right elbow tendonitis claim is still pending.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected disc derangement, L4-L5, with osteoarthritis was denied by the RO.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder, right knee disorder, residuals of back injury, and residuals of head injury due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and tinnitus, finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the claims. The veteran's low back disorder was considered to be preexisting and not aggravated by service, while his tinnitus is linked to his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed due to lack of pending issues.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disorder is not well grounded, and his appeal for an increased rating of low back disability has been denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision. As a result, the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is not well-grounded, as there is no medical evidence showing he currently has a back disorder or any nexus to his military service.