Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The VA denied an increased evaluation for service-connected compression fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, stating that it was most likely caused by post-service injuries rather than the inservice injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, right leg disability, and defective hearing are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a relationship between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current heart disease or low back disability to his service, including any incidents therein. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation of pre-existing conditions in service.

The Board found no evidence of a current back disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disability, and will proceed with further review.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, finding that the veteran's current condition approximates the criteria for this rating. Service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current cervical spine disability is related to service, and denied the claim.

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

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent based on more severe symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his current disabilities were adequately compensated by existing ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a facial skin disorder and a low back disorder are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology, nor is there medical evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the September 1962 rating decision denying service connection for a low back sprain was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The evidence at the time did not support finding that the condition began during service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for his low back disorder is denied. The Board found that the award of service connection was not warranted prior to April 18, 1983.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral spine disability and peptic ulcer disease are service-connected, with a rating of 20% for the lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for PTSD, residuals of neck injury, and increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain were not well grounded. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish service connection for the neck injury or lumbosacral strain.

The veteran's low back disorder with radiculopathy, sinusitis, and bronchitis are all found to be related to his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a current low back disorder during service and concluded that the veteran's claim for service connection was not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the appellant's preexisting spondylolysis of L5 with spondylolisthesis was aggravated by active service, and thus service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, claiming as dextroscoliosis, due to lack of competent evidence showing current disability and failure to cooperate in providing necessary medical information.

The Board found no current disability from a low back disorder related to the veteran's service, thus denying his claim for service connection.