Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and intermittent relief, warrants a 40 percent rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for his low back condition, finding no evidence of a chronic disease or injury during service and insufficient medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current arthritis of the knees resulted from an in-service injury and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for intermittent hematuria and low back pain due to sickle cell trait, finding that the veteran's functional impairment is indicative of moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in the law regarding veterans' claims assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to new information and development required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being reviewed with additional medical evidence and examination.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection are being remanded to the RO for further examination and review in light of the VCAA.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee, right ankle, and low back disabilities did not originate in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability. The RO should also locate medical personnel who may have provided opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's current condition and his inservice injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legislation and additional development of medical evidence is required.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain and arthritis do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of jurisdiction over the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen his claims.

The veteran's death was caused by anoxic encephalopathy due to or as a consequence of bypass and postoperative bleed, with ischemic heart disease listed as the underlying cause. The service-connected left knee disability is considered a contributory cause of his death.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability did not develop during service and is not related to his military service. The Court vacated this decision and remanded the matter, finding insufficient evidence on continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the July 1961 decision severing service connection for the veteran's low back condition was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus restoring service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a current back disorder and concluded that the veteran's service treatment for a low back strain resolved without residual disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has granted increased ratings for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, with PTSD receiving a rating of 70 percent and the lumbar spine condition receiving a rating of 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and assigned a 40% disability evaluation, effective August 18, 1997. The veteran's pre-existing low back disorder was permanently aggravated during service.