Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, which was previously denied in August 1977.

The veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent for his degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine. His cluster headaches are also rated at the maximum available under the applicable code. The veteran's postoperative residuals, fracture, left tibia and fibula, and postoperative residuals, fracture, left femur, both receive evaluations of 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, characterized by pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with significant pain and muscle spasm, warrants a 60 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5293.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence confirming any claimed in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The arthritis of the lumbar spine was not shown to be related to military service.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder or residuals of Agent Orange exposure, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that a 40 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's lumbosacral disc disease, based on severe limitation of lumbar motion. The decision also notes that there are no separately compensable neurologic symptoms and no incapacitating episodes in the last 12 months.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a rating of 40 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran was entitled to a TDIU rating as of July 7, 1993 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board determined that the veteran's preexisting degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was aggravated by active service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for chronic lumbosacral strain, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for various disability ratings and service connection decisions.,He also seeks a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability as secondary to his service-connected right peroneal nerve neuropathy, based on medical opinions that found no relationship between the two.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, but is unable to determine if there is a direct or secondary relationship between her current condition and her military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder and granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent for tension headaches.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the service-connected lumbar strain since the date of grant of service connection.