Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine spondylosis associated with disc space narrowing at L5-S1 does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back pain with mild degenerative changes does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for the cause of his death due to coronary artery disease, as well as claims for PTSD and degenerative disc disease. The cause of death was not related to any service-connected condition.

The veteran's low back disability was granted a 40% evaluation, effective January 2, 1997. The RO also granted retroactive dependency benefits for his spouse and children starting from the date of his marriage in May 1991 and the dates of their births.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issue will now be evaluated on its merits.

The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, but additional development is necessary regarding the underlying claim of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of a right pterygium and service connection for a low back disorder, to include discogenic and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The evidence did not support the veteran's assertions that his current conditions were related to his military service.

The veteran's low back strain disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted based on his current symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a 60 percent evaluation, reflecting severe degenerative disc disease with sciatica and muscle spasm.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for low back strain, finding that the current symptoms and findings are manifestations of post-service intercurrent injuries and surgeries.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 20 percent rating. The decision also notes that this evaluation contemplates all resultant occupational impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, residuals of a fractured right ankle with degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, and bronchitis. The veteran was found not to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased rating of his lumbosacral strain, superimposed on bilateral sacralization of L5, currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for low back strain and service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture. The initial rating for low back strain is set at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for lumbar disability. The Board finds that the veteran's lumbar disc disease is likely due to an injury sustained in 1954 during military service, resulting in a fracture of L2 through L4 vertebrae (by history), and treated with casting. As such, the Board grants service connection for lumbar disc disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected and denied his claim.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding it to be severe in terms of limitation of motion.

The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities, for the period prior to January 21, 1992. The claim of service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome was also addressed.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for a back disability, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine, with degenerative joint disease and a combined evaluation greater than 60 percent effective June 4, 1974, greater than 80 percent effective January 4, 1994, and greater than 90 percent effective July 6, 1994.