Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depression, service connection for somatic dysfunction of the thoracic and lumbar spines and bilateral sacroiliac joints, and gastroesophageal reflux.

The VA determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 with lumbosacral strain did not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes as his combined schedular evaluation is less than 100 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claim is well-grounded as there is sufficient medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination. The veteran's low back disorder is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his left knee disability and service connection for a low back disorder. The decision concluded that there was no evidence to support the veteran's contention that his current low back disorder is related to his period of service or to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's low back disorder, currently rated at 40 percent, does not warrant a higher evaluation based on current evidence of record. The disability is characterized by severe limitation of motion and pain but no additional neurological symptoms or ankylosis.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a total rating on the basis of individual unemployability, finding that the veteran's claim was not reopened after two final denials and that the evidence did not support increased evaluations for her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for low back disability and found it well grounded. The appellant's current low back disability is likely related to her in-service injury, but a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 5, 1998, and denied any claim for an increased rating subsequent to October 5, 1998. The appeal is dismissed as there are no issues related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to failure of the appellant to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case will be reviewed and readjudicated based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is currently manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion, and thus denied an increased rating above 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture at L3 with degenerative disc disease, effective from August 31, 1993.

The Board found that the veteran's low back pain and lumbosacral strain were incurred during his active service.

The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain, which was previously reduced to 10 percent. The evidence supports this decision as it shows moderate limitation of motion and pain with motion.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is not shown to be of such a nature and severity as to preclude employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or muscle spasm. The veteran was currently rated at 10%.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. The claim for depression was reopened but not granted as well-grounded. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at noncompensable.

The veteran's claims of service connection for an object in the right eye, a disability manifested by right foot and heel pain, shoulder injury residuals, and tender right wrist are not supported by evidence. The claim for initial noncompensable evaluation for residuals of fracture, right thumb is supported by evidence.,The veteran has submitted well-grounded claims for service connection for back condition and left index finger injury residuals.