Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned the appropriate disability ratings based on the severity of his service-connected conditions, but did not grant any additional benefits.

The RO granted service connection and assigned evaluations for various shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, knee, and toe conditions. The appellant's claims were not well-grounded for residuals of head injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical conditions, including sprain/strain, myofascitis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis, are related to a trauma suffered in an aircraft accident during active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for injuries to his right shoulder, ribs, head and back.

The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine resulted in severe impairment from October 1, 1998 onwards. The Board granted a 40 percent rating for this condition.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left flank is being remanded due to incomplete examination and treatment records.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral/dorsal spine disability is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a comprehensive VA examination.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluation of his lumbar spine condition and service connection for a hip disorder has been remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder, and a skin disorder (claimed as a residual of Agent Orange exposure) have been denied. The RO has not considered the most recent private medical records submitted by the veteran.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder, low back, and chest wall disorders remain pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for duodenal ulcer and original compensable rating for lumbar spondylosis due to degenerative arthritis prior to February 7, 1994. The claim for an increased rating for lumbar spondylosis due to degenerative arthritis was also denied.

The Board has determined that a higher rating for the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is not warranted, as it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been denied. The left hip, cervical spine, and lumbosacral spine conditions are currently evaluated at non-compensable levels.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a right thumb injury is not well-grounded. The low back disability, currently rated at 10 percent, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on current medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss as they were not well-grounded.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) found that the veteran did not present sufficient new and material evidence to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for the residuals of a shrapnel wound, including low back disorder and heart disorder. The March 1992 decision by the RO remains final.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and higher evaluations for various disabilities, including lumbar, cervical, thoracic spine disorders, essential tremors of both hands, and patellofemoral pain syndrome in both knees. The appeals were based on a direct relationship to service without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has found the claims for service connection for right ankle and low back disabilities to be well grounded. The veteran's current knee disability is currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling.