Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability was not caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board found that the veteran's low back pain did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability evaluation greater than 10 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back injury with low back pain, as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative changes in both knees, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an injury or illness during active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, which was previously denied in July 1995. The claim is now reopened.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's postoperative cervical intervertebral disc disease with fusion at C7 prior to March 23, 1999 and a 30 percent rating from that date. The effective dates are not specified in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic cervical spine disability and an increased evaluation for the veteran's thoracic and lumbosacral spine disability. The claim for total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability was remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the appellant's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for back, inguinal hernia, psychiatric, and seizure disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a ventral hernia, low back disability, and left hydrocele. The veteran's conditions are not considered to be related to his active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of a back disorder. After considering all the evidence, including medical opinions from Drs. G.M. and T.B., the Board granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of both knees and low back strain have been denied as there is no credible evidence to support his assertions of pain, instability, or limitation of motion.

The Board denied a higher rating for the service-connected low back condition, assigning a 20 percent evaluation effective from April 1998. The veteran's claim was not well grounded as asthma.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral disability, currently rated at 40 percent, did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating. The evidence showed severe limitation of lumbar motion but no more than moderate intervertebral disc disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability is as likely as not related to back injury in service, and thus grants service connection for postoperative lumbar disc syndrome with spinal fusion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and a low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic bronchitis or a current low back disability. The examiner concluded that any current respiratory problems were likely due to smoking.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating and a total rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran's disability was evaluated as 40 percent disabling.

The veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint disease is manifested by moderate limitation of motion, and the Board has granted a 20 percent rating for this condition.

The VA has determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating higher than 20 percent.