Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to his active duty. The claim for an increased rating for varicose veins of the left leg also failed as there is no evidence showing it more nearly approximates a disability manifested by persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation for PTSD to 50 percent and has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is service-connected. The decision also addresses whether the veteran's PTSD symptoms warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeal of the denial of his claim for service connection for back disability was timely, and thus grants the appeal.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a disability of the digestive system, including ulcers and hiatal hernia; a cervical spine disability manifested by degenerative joint disease (DJD), claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the neck; a lower back disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the back; and a thoracic spine disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the back. The Board has also reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the shoulders.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for residuals of a right side injury and a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's disabilities, including his left knee replacement and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, render him unable to care for himself and perform tasks incident to daily living. The need for regular aid and attendance is established, granting special monthly pension benefits.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury and concluded that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service. The testicular disorder claim was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities and entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a low back disorder is being remanded due to additional review and the need for further action by the RO.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee and leg disorder and a low back disorder, finding that these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for low back disability. The veteran's left knee disorder is considered to have aggravated his low back condition, warranting a rating increase.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions related to service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a neck and back injury, finding that the medical evidence did not establish a nexus between current disability and service.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder. The left knee disability was also reopened, but no increase in rating is granted.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that the appellant's pre-existing condition did not increase in severity during service.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's status post extraction of four third molars, low back disorder, and head injury with residual headaches. Service connection for pleurisy was denied.

The Board has found the evidence and information currently of record sufficient to substantiate the veteran's claim to reopen. Therefore, the claim for service connection for low back disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for left hearing loss, but denied service connection for right hearing loss and both shoulder and back disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and low back disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after service. The claim to reopen the right hand rash was not granted as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral disorder in April 1989, finding that the evidence did not support its onset during service.