Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities, including a low back disability, right ankle disability, and right knee disability. The RO granted service connection for left distal fibula fracture and closed reduction and external fixation tibia fracture with iliac crest bone graft, but denied other requested benefits.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disk disease of the lumbosacral spine as there was no evidence linking it to active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia, is as likely as not related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected low back disorder, left shoulder disorder, and hypertension. The only issue that was granted a compensable rating was for the residuals of a left wrist ganglion cyst.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 60 percent, and he was granted service connection for migraine headaches.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral defective hearing and low back disability was denied by the RO. The case is now remanded to allow for additional development of the record.

The veteran's low back disorder was rated at 60 percent effective January 11, 2000. He also received a TDIU from the same date.

The Board has determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for the veteran's back disorder, which is linked to an injury sustained during military service in November 1955.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% evaluation effective March 1, 2001. Service connection for a back disorder and skin condition were denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating, as they are currently evaluated at noncompensable levels. The appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's application for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of evidence showing service-connected disability that meets the criteria for such benefits.

The veteran's low back disability and discoid lupus erythematosus have been rated based on their severity, with the total rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities being granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lower back, cervical spine (neck), and gastrointestinal disabilities based on evidence showing these conditions started during the veteran's military service.

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe disc disease and limited motion, is currently rated at 40 percent. The VA adjudicated the issue of a higher rating for this condition.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his right foot due to service-connected low back disability. The TDIU claim is pending as further evaluation is needed to determine if the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable without considering non-service connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for lung disability due to exposure to Agent Orange, as new and material evidence was not received. The issue of back disability is referred to the RO for further action.

The Board has denied the reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and back conditions due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes warrants a 40 percent evaluation, as his range of motion is significantly limited and he experiences pain on motion.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected mechanical low back pain with degenerative disc disease was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 40 percent.