Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for service connection on three separate issues are being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's lumbar spondylosis and did not address his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain and scoliosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a medical board discharge proceeding and arranging for VA examinations.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the appellant's current condition was not incurred or aggravated by military service and that any pre-existing conditions were not related to his active duty.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or for years thereafter, and concluded that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his period of active service. The appeal was denied.

The Board has granted a higher evaluation of 10 percent for sinusitis and found that the veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected.

The veteran's disability, which involves partial paralysis of the left lumbar plexis and damage to the iliopsoas muscle with limitation of motion of the left hip and ankle, has been rated at 40 percent since August 1981. The current evaluation is consistent with the severity of his condition as determined by objective examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and fibromyalgia was granted, with a rating of 50 percent prior to October 4, 2002, and 70 percent thereafter. The effective date for the TDIU award is set at October 4, 2002.

The VA determined that the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for his left L4-S1 radiculopathy with dorsolumbosacral paravertebral myositis and a dissicated and bulging disc at L5-S1 was denied. The maximum schedular rating (60%) has already been assigned.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome, and denied an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder and post-traumatic laceration of the right forearm with incomplete right ulnar nerve lesion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right knee, right ankle, and right hip disabilities. The claim for post-traumatic headaches was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hip pain and low back pain are not due to his service-connected knee disability, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his case is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and for a higher evaluation of his lumbar spine disability. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also granted increased ratings for major depression, IBS, and prostatitis.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected low back strain and patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee, do not warrant evaluations in excess of 10 percent.