Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disorder and a retroactive effective date prior to September 9, 1991. The appeal was decided as both issues were found to be without merit.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has determined that the appellant's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warrants a maximum schedular rating of 60 percent for the period prior to September 23, 2002, and a separate 10 percent rating for sciatic neuropathy as of that date.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of his bilateral foot disability are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The veteran's disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100%, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to having other disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral ear disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with new notification requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbosacral paravertebral myositis with mild degenerative joint disease and a bulging disc, currently rated at 40 percent.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, maintaining their current disability ratings of 10% and 40%, respectively.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current low back disorder is incurred during his period of active service and thus, service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be remanded for a VA physician review and an assessment of whether there is a causal relationship between the veteran's service-connected low back disability and his current bilateral knee disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder, entitlement to higher ratings for his lumbar degenerative disc disease with chronic strain and hypertension with tachycardia, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The reasons were that there was no evidence linking the current neck disorder to in-service events or injuries, and the other conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including residuals of a spinal tap and right leg disorder/lumbar disc disorder, are not service-connected.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending evidence and the case is being sent back for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a back disability. The issue of whether this condition is related to service will be further evaluated.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and migraine headaches, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not attributable to his period of military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected back disability warrants a 10 percent rating for the thoracic component and a separate 20 percent rating for the lumbar component.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disorder, which was previously denied in November 1983 and January 1984. The veteran's representative withdrew the claim upon personal hearing on appeal in May 1984.