Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for paraspinal muscle herniations of the lumbar area and for an increased rating for acne vulgaris. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active service.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his left knee, lower back pain, and ankle disorders was denied. The issues involving service connection were not addressed.,For the postoperative residuals of the left knee with degenerative changes, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 12, 2000 and on and after that date is not warranted.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's lumbar spine degenerative changes with T12-L1 end plate compression deformity, effective as of June 23, 1999.

The Board found no evidence of Bell's Palsy or a back disability during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, thus denying the application.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's current low back or left ankle disabilities are related to service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected pes planus and service connection for a back disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's low back disability, finding that it is related to an injury sustained during active duty.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected due to noise exposure during military service. Service connection is also granted for bleeding esophageal varices, but not related to the service-connected gastrointestinal reaction. The low back and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service medical records and requests for inpatient treatment at US Army 5th General Hospital.

The Board found no evidence of an organic pathology associated with the veteran's subjective complaints, and concluded that a back disorder with neck, right arm, and chest problems was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain results in severe limitation of motion, warranting a 40% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA examinations to assess all of the veteran's disabilities. The claims will be reviewed again after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and residuals of a T6 fracture, is due to an injury incurred during service. The benefit of doubt has been extended to the veteran.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorder and duodenal ulcer disease were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back strain and duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia warrant increased evaluations, but his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for both a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a back disorder. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and joint pain, but denied these claims on their merits. The veteran does not have a diagnosed eye disorder.

The veteran's TDIU rating was granted with an effective date of June 19, 2000. The claim for increased ratings for his knee and back disabilities were previously denied in October 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic thoracic and lumbar spine injury residuals, including degenerative changes and lumbosacral strain, were incurred during wartime service.