Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability, including spinal fusion and lumbar area with osteoarthritis, was not incurred in active service.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the veteran's current low back disability is related to his active service. Service connection for a low back disability is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorder is not etiologically related to his in-service back complaints, a disease or injury which had its onset in service, or is otherwise related to service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left arm disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorders. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The other issues regarding migraine headaches, pes planus, and a back condition are also addressed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of his chronic low back disorder, including whether it had its onset during service or was aggravated by service. The RO will also consider relevant regulations and case law.

The Board denied increased ratings for post-operative residuals of lumbar disc surgery, right and left lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and therefore denied his claim.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and kidney stones, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for low back strain and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new medical opinion and VA treatment records.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to failure to provide proper notification and development under the VCAA for a claim of service connection for a low back disorder secondary to a service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to an injury sustained in service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritis warranted a 20 percent evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lower back, prostatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis of the right hand and wrist disabilities due to incomplete development. The RO/AMC is instructed to verify whether or not the veteran is receiving disability benefits from SSA and obtain any relevant medical documentation.

The veteran's cervical spine and low back conditions are currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a GSW involving his bladder, colon, and low back muscles were denied. He is currently receiving the maximum rating (40%) for his bladder injury.

The veteran's claim for service connection was denied in January 1990. The RO reopened the claim and granted service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar spine, thoracic spin, and cervical spine on May 21, 2001. The effective date is set by law to be May 21, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain and right knee degenerative joint disease were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.