Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is granted as of December 10, 1996. The decision also considers the possibility of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim of low back disability. The other issues were also denied as there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a restoration of a 20 percent rating as his symptoms have improved and do not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's low back disability, including low back pain, spondylolysis at L5-S1, and degenerative changes, finding that his active military service aggravated a congenital condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 30, 1997 for the grant of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The RO received no claim from the veteran identifying a back disorder before this date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to changes in VA regulations and the need for additional service records, as well as post-service medical records.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to ensure that all necessary development has been completed, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the veteran's lumbar spine injury, effective from February 25, 1998. The evaluation was based on current manifestations of severe pain and neurological deficit.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 40 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5293 for severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 19, 2001 for the award of a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine was also granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence to show a causal relationship between his current disability and any injury during service.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a thorough VA examination and additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back condition and chronic chest pain are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently does not have tuberculosis, a low back disorder, or residuals of a viral illness incurred in service.,There is no evidence showing current disabilities related to these conditions.

The veteran's left shoulder disability is not rated higher than the current 10 percent evaluation.,Service connection for a low back disability, right hip disability, sinus condition and/or allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and stomach disorder are denied.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's lumbosacral strain, effective from the date of claim, July 22, 1998. The current limitation of motion is considered moderate.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, hip, and back disorders. The evidence did not show a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's current low back disability is likely due to an injury sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for his condition.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic low back disorder and arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence to support a link between current symptoms and incidents during active military service.