Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board denied an increased rating for low back strain with postoperative disc disease, finding that the veteran's disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on current symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's current arthritis of the lumbar spine is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current cervical or lumbar spine disorder, right knee or right leg disorder, or left shoulder disorder that is related to his period of service. The VA examiner found no link between any current disabilities and the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left femur fracture.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not show any evidence of aggravation beyond normal progression by military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria warranting a higher evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for cervical spine disability, and service connection for various other conditions. The current rating of 30 percent for the cervical spine disability remains in effect.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder did not manifest during active-duty service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to active-duty service, thus denying his claim of service connection.

The veteran's pre-existing low back disability is being reviewed to determine if it was aggravated by service. Additional medical records and a VA examination are needed for this determination.

The Board found that the appellant's right knee disability did not cause or make chronically worse any arthritis of the hips, legs and/or low back.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected, with no new evidence provided to reopen claims. The veteran's current disabilities do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of a back injury or condition during service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The case is being remanded to the RO due to incomplete documentation and need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for CUE in the June 1973 rating decision, an earlier effective date, and a higher disability rating were all found to be without merit.

The veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, low back condition, and disability manifested by left ear discharge due to a lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability warrants a 20% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The mid-back and wrist disabilities have not been established as service connected.

The VA determined that the veteran's current low back impairment, including lumbosacral strain, is not due to any incident or event in military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant's request for a personal hearing. The veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus and a back disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for service connection of traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and will consider the issues of service connection for back disability and stomach disability.