Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his current condition. The issue of total unemployability due to service-connected disability remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was not well-grounded and denied his increased evaluation for bilateral pes planus. The veteran's current complaints of pain do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected chronic low back strain was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected back disability is not warranted based on the lack of limitation of motion and pain.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability, currently rated at 20 percent, does not warrant a higher evaluation based on current symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems, including COPD (claimed as pharyngitis), and residuals of exposure to DDT powder. The claim for a back disorder was also denied, but the issue is pending further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease with sciatica and osteoarthritis lumbosacral spine is rated at 20 percent, while his service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain was incurred in line of duty during active military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or depression related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back strain, with degenerative changes, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing spondylolysis of the lumbar spine existed prior to his entry into active duty service and was not aggravated by such service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's PTSD was not productive of more than mild social and industrial impairment prior to May 16, 1996. The low back strain condition received a compensable evaluation effective February 4, 1990.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability warrants a 60 percent rating, which is higher than the current 40 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as the veteran’s symptoms were characterized by chronic low back pain with intermittent relief from such symptoms without sensory or motor deficit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, low back, and hip disorders on a direct basis.,Additionally, the Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired disorder of the left knee as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an increased rating for PTSD, and an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with psychophysiological musculoskeletal reaction.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, stomach (gastrointestinal) disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, it is not determined that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection of a right knee disability and a low back disability due to lack of new and material evidence.