Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral pain syndrome does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The VA has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as there is no evidence of severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and intermittent relief.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder, including lumbar disc disease with neurological involvement, was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The veteran's lumbosacral compression fracture L4 with deformity L3-4 with moderate disc narrowing L5-S1 is rated at 20 percent, and his GERD is rated at noncompensable. The 'old' criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome are more favorable than the 'new'.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder began during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's claims are being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The RO must ensure compliance with all provisions of this act, including notification requirements and readjudication based on new evidence.

The veteran's right shoulder disorder was granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent rating effective from August 1, 2000.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was granted with an effective date of June 10, 1999.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition. The decision is mixed, as it acknowledges some evidence but does not establish a direct relationship between the current condition and service.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, effectively dismissing the case.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and lumbar strain, but denied the claims for left knee disorder, dysthymic disorder, headaches, and costochondritis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right arm disorders, claimed as residuals of a parachute jump injury. The evidence now submitted is considered significant enough to warrant reconsideration of these claims on their merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected knee, foot, and low back disabilities. The veteran did not have a currently diagnosed bilateral elbow disability, cervical spine disability, heart condition, or left-sided paralysis as a residual of a stroke.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, which is characterized by pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, warrants a 60 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for postoperative lumbar laminectomy syndrome and arthritis of the right hip, both to include as secondary to a service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including his degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, is due to or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a fractured left clavicle.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 60% rating, effective August 5, 1991. The earlier effective dates for the back disability and GU disability were also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability is a chronic condition and was incurred in service, granting service connection for this disability.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it is as likely as not related to his period of active military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a genitourinary disorder remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disorder, at least in part, was caused by a lumbar strain during service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disability, which is manifested by severe limitation of motion.