Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by limitation of motion with traumatic arthritis, is rated at 20 percent. The decision grants a higher rating than the previous 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, a back disorder, and a circulatory disorder secondary to nicotine dependence due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection and rating will be reconsidered after all requested actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to questions about the scope and severity of the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral disability, including whether it involves his left lower extremity. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder. The issue now includes whether the condition preexisted service or was aggravated by active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but only partially grants it. The lung disability claim is still pending and will be addressed in the future.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's low back disability and a 10 percent rating for his deviated nasal septum with sinus congestion, both of which were previously rated as 20 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board has determined that further medical evaluation and clarification is needed before the claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain can be decided.

The VA Regional Office denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that it was not well grounded. The appeal is pending and requires further development.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral pes planus, and diabetes mellitus, contribute to his need for regular aid and attendance. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for housebound benefits due to his ability to leave his home and perform basic self-care activities.

The Board denied increased ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and hypertension.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee disability and PTSD. Service connection was granted for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board finds that the veteran's dysthymic disorder is currently productive of virtual isolation in the community, with total incapacitating symptoms resulting in his total inability to obtain or retain employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hip replacements are rated at 70 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations for such conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, but it remains denied as there is no evidence associating this condition with his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and for an increased rating for his left arm disability. The RO is instructed to ensure all necessary development has been completed, including obtaining additional medical records and providing examinations as requested.

The veteran's lumbar paravertebral myositis is currently rated at 40 percent disabling, effective from August 28, 1992. The RO increased the evaluation to 40 percent from May 18, 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right flank have remained stable and productive of no more than moderate injury to the lumbar spinal muscles with well-healed scars. The RO has granted secondary service-connection for strained spinal muscle in the lumbar region, which is evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The veteran's laparotomy scar and shell fragment wounds of the face and thorax are currently well-healed, non-disabling, and asymptomatic.