Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder was incurred in service and granted service connection. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a seizure disorder based on VA treatment during January 1989 was denied as the single episode of seizure activity did not constitute an increase in severity of a preexisting condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher rating than 20 percent. The claim of reopening the fallen arches and pes planus was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mechanical low back pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease is no more than 40 percent disabling and therefore does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board found that the veteran did not submit competent evidence to show plausible claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, a right shoulder disability, a right ankle disability, a low back disability, and a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is not well-grounded, and therefore denied. The other issues listed are also addressed but no rating assigned as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tarsal tunnel syndrome of the left foot and an increased rating for her lumbosacral strain with limited motion, finding no well-grounded claim presented. The effective date for the current disability ratings remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a back condition is not well-grounded and therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disorder due to lack of evidence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, and thus the claim for service connection for the cause of death is well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 40 percent disability rating, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed back disorder, headaches, tinnitus, and COPD. The claim for allergic rhinitis was also denied as new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen it.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, depression, and lumbosacral strain with right sciatic irritation. The decision also determined that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his various disabilities, finding that he is not in need of such assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back disorder are not well grounded. The claim of increased rating for iliotibial band tendinitis is denied.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening service connection for bilateral leg, low back, and left shoulder disorders due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the objective clinical evidence does not support an increase in disability ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain/sprain is service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, which is service-connected as secondary to a service-connected right lower extremity condition, does not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.