Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a spine disorder, which was previously denied in May 1948. The new evidence suggests that the veteran's back condition may have been aggravated by his period of service.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder and lumbosacral strain are not related to service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic acquired variously diagnosed low back disorder is directly related to his service, specifically a muscle strain in 1961 during active duty. The Board also found no evidence of secondary service connection due to pre-existing bilateral knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability related to any of the claimed conditions, and therefore service connection cannot be established.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability did not begin during service and is not related to any incident during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected left ankle disability or any other condition in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and a low back disorder, finding no medical evidence of chronic disabilities related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck and low back disabilities are not service-connected, but have been caused by his service-connected right hip disability.

The veteran's service connection claims for left biceps tendonitis, right knee condition, left shoulder condition, low back pain, and headaches have been granted.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder during service or within one year post-service, and the veteran's current condition is not linked to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for post traumatic lumbar strain with sprain and scoliosis, finding that his condition is principally manifested by complaints of pain and moderate limitation of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a disability due to heat exposure and heat stroke, as well as his claim for a low back disability. The evidence did not support the presence of a current disability related to these exposures or injuries.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability and left ankle disability do not meet the criteria for service connection or an increased rating, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to any disease or injury incurred during active military service.

The Board found that the appellant's lower back symptoms, including degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, are not related to any incident of his military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine effective March 31, 2001. The other claims were not fully addressed as they are still pending.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it is likely due to an injury sustained during active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing low back disorder was aggravated by his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.