Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, rhinitis, gastritis with GERD, arthritis of both hands, lumbar strain, strained right shoulder with slap lesion, and tinea pedis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disability in any of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen any of the previously denied claims, and there was insufficient evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury and head injuries, including headaches. However, the claims were denied as there is no competent evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and active service.

The veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were denied service connection. The lumbar spine disability was granted with a noncompensable rating effective from September 18, 2003. Costochondritis was also granted but no evaluation was assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for left leg disability and back disability are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notification and development.

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent for the veteran's low back disability, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an etiological link between active duty and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's back injury is related to service.

The Board granted a combined rating of 50 percent for the veteran's lumbar spine disorder, comprised of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with limitation of motion and 10 percent for sensory loss of the left lower extremity, effective from September 23, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to December 14, 2001 for a 10 percent evaluation of his service-connected low back strain with spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis of L5 and S1.

The veteran's low back strain was initially evaluated at 10 percent prior to September 13, 2001. From that date, she is now rated at 40 percent for lumbosacral intervertebral degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the initial evaluations for left knee sprain and lumbosacral degenerative joint disease are not higher than 10 percent, as there is no evidence of compensable limitation of motion or other disabling conditions.

The veteran's low back pain syndrome has been rated at 40 percent since the initial rating decision, with no changes in disability evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a stomach disorder, as well as an increased rating for left shoulder disability. The veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The appeal is pending due to the maximum schedular rating not being assigned.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and granted service connection for GERD, finding that the veteran's stomach disorder is related to his service-connected left hip disability. The rating for the left hip disability remains at 80%.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for knee, hip, and low back disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to her military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease with history of radiculopathy is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the impact of his service-connected disability versus the automobile accident.