Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder was denied by the RO. The current evaluation of 20 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is not related to service and he does not have any other service-connected disabilities. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied. Additionally, he is not eligible for a TDIU rating as he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for a back disorder and an increased rating for residuals of a left foot injury, finding no new and material evidence submitted.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, including as secondary to service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left fibula. The claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right eye disability, and back disability are all considered well-grounded. However, the evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and service. The claim for right eye disability is reopened due to new medical evidence linking it to an inservice injury. For the back disability, there is conflicting evidence regarding its relation to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability and found that new and material evidence has been received. However, the Board denied the claim on the merits, concluding that the current low back disorder is not related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and back disability (spinal condition) as there was no medical evidence showing a current disability or a link between any in-service event and his claimed conditions.

The veteran's service-connected low back strain and hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis do not render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a personal hearing before a Member of the Board at the RO.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical records and an examination, as the Court found that there was insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's back disability during service.

The Board has determined that arthritis of the hips, knees, hands, and low back did not begin during service or due to a service-connected condition. The veteran's current condition is considered unrelated to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, prostatitis, and tinea pedis and tinea versicolor are currently rated as 10 percent each. The Board denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder and right knee disability were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is not well-grounded and denied it.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation of his low back disability was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective from November 14, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings, secondary service connection, and a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability. The left ankle disability was rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The back and right knee disabilities were not found to be related to the service-connected left ankle condition.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms, while present and causing some functional impairment, do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as his condition is currently rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and special monthly compensation were denied. The service-connected lumbosacral spine disability remains at a 60 percent rating, which is the maximum under applicable criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a low back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The Board has remanded the case due to the veteran's relocation and requests for a Travel Board hearing.