Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, pigmentary glaucoma, hypertension, and myopia with exotropia due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service. The veteran's combined non-service-connected disability rating was found to be 80%.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral hip disorders are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bulging discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1 have been granted. The conditions are considered to be related to injury during service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for renal calculi and a compensable rating for GERD. The veteran was granted service connection for GERD, but with a non-compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected mild straightening of lumbar lordosis due to paravertebral muscle spasm; L3-L4 small central disc herniated, L4-L5 mild posterior bulging disc warrants a 20 percent disability evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine as effective September 26, 2003.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The issues of service connection for a fractured left clavicle, back disability, and hypertension are under review.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is related to events during active service.

The veteran's bilateral arm and leg disabilities are considered part of her service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disorders, respectively.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his chronic low back disability with degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the left knee were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a staged rating in excess of 20 percent for either condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a back disorder and epidermophytosis pedis (foot rash, tinea pedis). The claim for a back disorder was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The claim for epidermophytosis pedis was denied as there was no new and material evidence submitted since the 1983 rating decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, as well as for radiculopathy of both lower extremities. The current rating of 40 percent is maintained.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to work prior to March 29, 1996. The Board found that the evidence did not reflect such disability prior to this date.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's service and his current lumbar spine disabilities, including degenerative disc disease, herniated nucleus pulposus, and lumbosacral strain. The claim was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability, low back disability, and right hip disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking the disabilities to her military service.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as there was no evidence of ankylosis or more than mild neurological abnormality in the left leg.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected low back disorder and denied the claim.