Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar and thoracic spine degenerative changes were denied, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The claim for secondary service connection for right shoulder bursitis was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 60 percent for the low back disorder or any higher rating for the esophagitis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine due to new evidence. However, the claim is still denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and service connection for scoliosis of the lumbosacral spine and leg shortening, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for these benefits.

The veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease is manifested by severe limitation of motion, chronic pain, and severe intervertebral disc syndrome with intermittent relief. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 40 percent rating are met.

The Board finds that the veteran's current back symptomatology is likely due to a service-related injury, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder. By extending the benefit of doubt, the Board finds that the veteran's current disability is likely due to an injury sustained during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine spondylosis, finding that it did not meet the criteria for such a higher rating.

The Board has granted an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected low back disability from 20% to a higher percentage, based on updated evidence and revised criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that the veteran did not have current left ear hearing loss by VA standards and that his right ear hearing loss was not related to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disorder and low back and groin disability are service-connected due to aggravation during active duty and secondary to a pre-existing condition, respectively.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral disc disease and residuals of a gunshot wound of the right calf, finding that these conditions are related to incidents during military service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current lumbar spine disorder in service or as a result of service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and back disorders are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following his military service. The claim for increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied.

The VA has provided all required notice and obtained all relevant evidence necessary for an equitable disposition of the veteran's appeal. The VA has determined that a current low back disability is related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease, T12-S1, was denied an increased evaluation. His service-connected right knee and left knee disabilities were granted increased evaluations of 40% and 10%, respectively. The veteran's history of asthma was granted a 30% evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine disability during service or for many years thereafter, and concluded that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with right sciatica warrants restoration of a 20% evaluation, effective from February 1, 1997.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, effective from October 1990.

The Board finds that the veteran's back disability is likely related to an injury sustained during active service, and grants service connection for this condition.