Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back strain with spinal stenosis at L4-5, disc disease, and traumatic arthritis. The Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he requested to withdraw his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of January 21, 2000.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral pain with radiculopathy, which is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected post traumatic degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, effective from the date of service connection.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, post-traumatic headaches (residuals of concussion), and residuals of frostbite of both feet were granted effective January 10, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of direct service connection for a low back disability and secondary service connection due to his service-connected bilateral ankle disability. The evidence did not establish that the veteran's current low back condition was related to service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing low back disorder manifested by degenerative disc disease was aggravated during service, and thus is considered to have been incurred in service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a member of the Board at the RO.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that her pre-existing condition did not worsen during service and is unrelated to her service-connected pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently demonstrated back disability is shown as likely as not to have had its clinical onset during his period of military service, and thus grants service connection for the disability manifested by lumbar degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right wrist condition does not warrant a compensable rating. For his claim of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, the evidence did not establish chronicity during service and continuity after discharge, leading to denial.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back disability are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a right inguinal hernia repair, head injury residuals (including boxer's dementia), and low back disorder. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine, currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a left knee disorder, finding no competent medical evidence of current disorders or links to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current disability to his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for his visual disorder of the right eye, low back disorder, and degenerative arthritis of the knees. The claim for right shoulder traumatic arthritis was granted with an initial evaluation of 10 percent.