Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's low back disorder is rated at 60 percent disabling, and his conversion reaction is rated at 30 percent prior to May 28, 1997, and not higher after that date.

The Board denied the claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability as the veteran did not return the formal application form and provide necessary information.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple disabilities of the spine, including degenerative disc disease, and an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back disability. The Board found no causal relationship between the veteran's current spinal conditions and his service-connected fracture residuals.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for direct service connection and secondary service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hips, and shoulders are not well grounded. The claim for increased rating on an extraschedular basis for residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group VII of the left forearm is denied as it does not meet the criteria for such a rating. The veteran's claim for separate compensable rating for scars from his gunshot wound to the left forearm is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for his post-operative pilonidal cyst and service connection for a back condition, including arthritis. The appellant was not granted any new disability ratings or benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mechanical low back pain warranted a rating of 20 percent effective from March 26, 1996. Prior to this date, the evidence showed muscle spasm without limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the veteran's pre-service injury did not constitute a chronic acquired condition and thus the presumption of soundness applies. The chronic lumbosacral strain developed during service.