Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and hypertension do not warrant increased evaluations beyond their current ratings.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran meets the 'objective' or 'subjective' standards for permanent and total disability, thus denying his claim of entitlement to a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with stabilizing metal rods at L3-4, finding that his disability is currently manifested by arthritis and no more than severe limitation of motion and severe lumbosacral strain. The maximum allowable rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities was already assigned.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound due to his ability to care for himself despite having multiple disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and carcinoma of the colon. The evidence did not establish a causal link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and deep vein thrombosis, finding no current disabilities and insufficient evidence to establish a link between service and these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bronchial asthma, and residuals of a fracture of the right 4th metacarpal due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing service origin or aggravation.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes cavus was aggravated by active service and granted this claim. However, the low back disorder is not well-grounded as there is no evidence relating it to his period of active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and gastric cancer, finding that his preexisting conditions did not increase in severity during service. The claim for gastric cancer will be remanded due to incomplete application.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for low back pain, currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The VA granted service connection for coronary artery disease and low back injury, but denied a higher initial evaluation for the low back injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a back disorder are not well-grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence of a nexus between any current disability and active service.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected lower back disability warrants a 20 percent rating, based on moderate limitation of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence supporting the claimed conditions.

The veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and other disabilities render him unable to attend to his daily needs without the assistance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot drop disorder is proximately due to his service-connected arthritis of the dorso-lumbar spine, warranting a 60 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for swollen joints, left foot disability, anxiety, low back disability, respiratory disorder, and lung disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis or link to these conditions during or after active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claim for back disability and concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of entitlement to benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.