Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's current neck and lumbar problems started after his August 1996 motor vehicle accident, and concluded that these conditions are not related to his service-connected injury. Therefore, he is not entitled to an increased rating for residuals of a back injury with cervical and lumbar myalgias.

The veteran's lumbar disc disease is rated at 40 percent, effective May 19, 2005. The effective dates for the herpes simplex and compensation benefits are set as requested.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back condition is proximately due to his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right hip and right leg, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The left hip and left leg condition are not shown to be related to service or service-connected conditions.

The RO denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral back strain with degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and L5-S1, finding that his disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish any in-service complaints or treatment related to the lumbar spine, and there was no direct service connection found.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there was no competent medical evidence showing a relationship between his current condition and his active service.

The veteran's low back disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it began or increased in severity during service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his claims due to the need for updated medical evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, headaches, a chronic back disorder, acne vulgaris (claimed as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange), scars (claimed as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange), asthma, and a 'gland problem' (claimed as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange). The RO denied service connection for these conditions in March 1982.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease with lumbar myositis, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals for PTSD and depressive disorder were also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lipoma and a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of aggravation or worsening of pre-existing conditions during active duty.

The veteran's service connection claims for low back, right knee, right ankle, and bilateral hip disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder and nose disorder are not related to his service, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain syndrome and degenerative disc and facet joint disease were evaluated, with the latter receiving a 40% rating effective September 2, 2003. The right lower extremity neuropathy was not separately evaluated.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for back and right shoulder disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The claims are being remanded to determine if these conditions are related to active military service.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the residuals of compression fractures at T12, L1, and L2 with disruption of the pars articularis of L4 and degenerative changes. The veteran's left knee replacement is rated as 60 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the existence and etiology of the veteran's claimed low back disability, bunion of the right foot, and left ulnar neuropathy. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board found new and material evidence to have been submitted, but denied reopening the claim due to lack of a nexus between the current back disorder and service. The claim for service connection remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, squamous cell carcinoma (postoperative), and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.