Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure and an increased evaluation for low back syndrome. The evidence did not support a finding of peripheral neuropathy within weeks or months of exposure to Agent Orange, nor was there sufficient certainty linking the development of peripheral neuropathy to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain is causally related to his current herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The veteran's bilateral hip strain and lumbosacral strain are found to be the result of his service-connected residuals of a right femur fracture, warranting service connection. His claim for an increased evaluation is granted.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease and increased ratings for chronic ligament strain of the left ankle and bilateral defective hearing. The claim for lumbosacral strain is granted with a 20% rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder and found it well grounded. However, the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for mechanical low back pain and bilateral foot disability, effective from the date of the claim received in January 1992.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a back disorder is not well grounded, and thus denied.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain has been dismissed as she expressed satisfaction with the current ratings.

The Board granted a 60% rating for the veteran's service-connected low back disorder with a herniated intervertebral disc at L5-S1, effective October 22, 1998.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a low back disability are not well-grounded.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left ankle and back disorders to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a mental disorder, low back disability, and right foot disability are not well-grounded. The evidence submitted does not establish current disabilities or show a relationship to service.

The veteran's right ring finger tendonitis is service-connected, and his lumbar spine disability has an effective date of May 29, 1992. The decision on the right ring finger claim is granted, but the CUE determination for the back claim remains unresolved.

The veteran's appeal was denied as he did not obtain prior VA authorization for the home improvements and structural alterations, which were completed without such authorization.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral ocular hypertension and chronic low back strain, finding that the veteran's conditions are related to his military service. The right knee disorder is rated at 10 percent, while the bilateral pes planus remains at its current 10 percent rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and traumatic arthritis of the right knee. The current rating for the right knee is 30 percent, while the back disability remains at 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease as secondary to his service-connected fracture of left transverse process at L2 and a compensable disability rating for that condition.

The Board has found that new evidence received by the RO after the July 1999 SSOC should be considered, and a remand is ordered to allow for this development. The veteran's claims of service connection for right knee condition, PTSD, and back disorder are being reviewed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability in March 1985. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing a chronic back disability incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 40 percent rating, which is the highest available under the applicable VA rating criteria.