Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain is currently manifested by recurring episodes of pain and moderate limitation of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury, residuals of a lumbar spine injury, and PTSD. The reasons provided were that there was no combat duty and the alleged in-service stressors have not been corroborated by official records or any other supportive evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and no new or material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for a left ankle disability. The other claims were also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's back injury was not incurred in or aggravated during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, an increased evaluation for his left knee disability, and entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD prior to June 9, 2000. The effective date of the 100% evaluation for PTSD was set at June 9, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the current severity of his symptoms.

The Board found that the evidence does not establish a current low back disorder related to service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disability is not etiologically related to his inservice injury, and therefore denied service connection for the condition.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess her service-connected low back disorder and review of her TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it did not result in severe loss of range of motion, ankylosis, lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, or other disabling conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of his lumbosacral spine disorder and an increased rating for his cervical spine disorder, finding no evidence to support a nexus between current disorders and active service.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her disabilities, which do not render her unable to care for most of her daily needs without requiring A&A.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records.

The Board found no evidence of a current respiratory disorder, and thus denied service connection for acute respiratory disease.,There is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current hypertension to his military service. The Board also noted that the diagnosis was not made until more than 15 years after separation from service.

The Board has granted the veteran's motion to have his case advanced on the Board's docket and is remanding the issues of service connection for right ankle disorder and low back disorder to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability did not manifest in service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection for low back disability was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral myofacial strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA records and scheduling examinations.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA spine examination.

The Board denied increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbosacral spine disability, and residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen.