Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The Board finds that the veteran's current low back disorder is not causally related to his active duty service and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability warrants a combined rating of 40 percent, reflecting severe intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain was denied as there was no evidence of severe limitation of motion or severe symptomatology warranting a higher rating.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to May 19, 2004 and 40 percent beginning May 19, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically refractive error of the eyes, a back disorder, or a left knee disability. The claims are denied.

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by chronic pain and limitation of motion, warrants a 60 percent rating under the amended spinal regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and right hip avascular necrosis, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for post-surgical residuals of bilateral mastectomy and low back disability, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service. Service connection was denied for visual disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of current disability or a link to military service. The claim for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back disability is not due to or the result of his service-connected left knee valgus deformity, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain because no new and material evidence was presented.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The issues of service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for nerve damage to the right thigh, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a lumbar spine disability are pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back injury, including degenerative disc disease (DDD) and/or degenerative joint disease (DJD), was denied as there is no current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claim for a lumbar spine disorder and concluding that the current disability is not related to service.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee and has reopened the claim to reopen a service connection for a back disability, finding new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of his claim for an increased rating (June 2002).

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain and scoliosis. The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA medical records and private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and a missing spine examination report. The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder will be reconsidered.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.