Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, cellulitis of the hands, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were not incurred in service. However, it granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder with a 30% rating and assigned a noncompensable rating for shrapnel wound residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left femur disability warrants a 20 percent rating, and his lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes warrants a 20 percent rating. The decision is based on the current clinical findings and medical evidence.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary due to the need for medical opinions and VA/VA records, as well as SSA records.

The Board has granted an increased rating for the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the lumbar area, Muscle Group XX from 20% to 50%. The arthritis of the lumbar spine is still denied as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board finds that the veteran's chronic lower back pain is proximately due to or a result of his service-connected disabilities, specifically left ilioinguinal nerve entrapment and meralgia paresthetica.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and right sacroiliac joint pain, was incurred during service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability, which he claims is related to injuries sustained during active duty and reserve service. The Board has determined that an examination is needed to determine the nature of his current disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for neck strain and low back strain, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's claimed psychiatric disability, lumbar spine disability, and neck disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the appellant's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected recurrent lumbar strain.

The Board has remanded the case to allow for a hearing before the RO in St. Louis, Missouri, and then readjudicate the claims.

The VA has increased the rating for service-connected residuals of fractures of L1 and L2 of the lumbar spine from 20% to 50%, effective as of November 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure that all relevant evidence is considered and to provide proper notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals concerning entitlement to service connection for loss of sight, chronic sinusitis, and an initial evaluation greater than 10 percent for impingement syndrome of the left shoulder. The issues have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's service, including for his claimed back pain, depression, memory loss, and skin rash. The claims were denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for small cell lung cancer and a back disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his back disability is not related to military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for a back disability. The VA has ordered further medical development and the RO should arrange for an examination to determine if there is any relationship between his current back condition and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations, finding that there was insufficient evidence to grant these claims.