Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2002

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to additional development required.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of lumbosacral strain was denied as he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without showing good cause.

The Board finds that the veteran's lumbar strain does not warrant a higher disability evaluation, and thus denies his claim for an increased rating.

The veteran's low back strain, cervical spine disability, and headaches are all granted service connection. The skin condition (tinea cruris) is also granted as a direct result of service.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back strain. After reviewing all relevant medical records, including VA outpatient treatment records, private physician reports, and MRI scans, the Board concluded that there was no link between any current diagnosed low back symptoms or disorders and the veteran's active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, polysubstance abuse, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than substance abuse) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's lumbosacral strain is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disorder and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his chronic lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as chronic lumbosacral strain, is due to an injury sustained during his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder and denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation (100%), but no extra-schedular evaluation was granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a back disorder related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for service-connected lumbar strain under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.321, finding that the veteran's disability did not produce marked interference with employment or necessitate frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic low back disorder is incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The veteran's claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for a low back disability, which was previously denied in July 1982. The Board is granting this reopening.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back and right shoulder disorders are not related to his military service, thus denying these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for L5-S1 spondylolysis with mild retrolisthesis and a higher initial rating for his chronic lumbar syndrome. The veteran had moderate limitation of motion in his low back, warranting a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Codes 5292 and 5295.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 40 percent for the veteran's lumbosacral strain, finding that it meets the criteria for severe limitation of motion.