Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The Board found no evidence of current tuberculosis or a current diagnosis related to service, and denied the veteran's claim for tuberculosis. The back disorder issue was remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the appellant's degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes due to her service-connected disabilities, as well as her other nonservice-connected conditions. The RO found that she did not meet the percentage requirements for a combined rating of 70% or more.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as clarification of his claims.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease did not begin during service or due to exposure to herbicides, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disability from July 1, 2000.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain warrants a 10 percent evaluation, effective from February 20, 1996. The disability is characterized by pain on motion and does not meet criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral hip disability, both of which are considered direct service connection. The RO will proceed with a determination on the merits of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and dermatofibrosarcoma, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or after service. The claim for maxillary sinusitis was granted with a zero percent rating effective from September 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, hearing loss, and a leg disorder. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 20 percent rating, and his tendinitis of both feet warrants a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective October 1, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder and paraspinal muscle spasms, low back due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link between his service and these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for skin rash, upper back disorder, headaches, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, and memory loss and lack of concentration. The veteran's claims were based on his active duty in the Southwest Asia theater during the Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability is now productive of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, warranting a higher rating of 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left shoulder injury. The claim for secondary service connection for the cervical spine disability was denied.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with bulging discs is currently rated at 60 percent, representing pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The veteran's claim for spinal stenosis was denied in July 1998, but there is evidence suggesting it may be reopened.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, which was previously denied in April 1986. The case is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation prior to March 28, 2000 was granted and he is now receiving the maximum disability rating of 60 percent.