Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease with bulges at L4-L5 and L5-S1, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for an increased rating prior to September 23, 2002, or beginning September 23, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete information and evidence, including a need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disability ratings for lumbosacral strain with disc disease and duodenal ulcer disease are not supported by the evidence of record, thus denying his claims for restoration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 20 percent rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was not rated higher than 20%. Sinusitis prior to June 10, 2002 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10%, while from that date onwards it did not warrant a rating in excess of 30%. PTSD and arthritis were not service-connected. Anemia was also not service-connected.

The veteran's skin rash of the right leg does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,PTSD was not diagnosed, and service connection is denied.,Residuals of a concussion were not found, and no head injury was noted in service records.,No evidence linked current back disability to service.,Cataracts/blindness were not diagnosed at the time of discharge from service, and there is no evidence linking current condition to service.,Peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure was not diagnosed as a result of Agent Orange exposure.,Diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure was not diagnosed or established through service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining morning reports and medical records, as well as providing the veteran with a PTSD evaluation and an examination for his low back and left leg disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for prostatitis and denied service connection for a low back strain and arthritis as secondary to a low back strain. Service connection is not granted on the basis of secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an epidural procedure and denied increased ratings for right metatarsalgia with neuroma and lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritis.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that resulted in a low back disorder, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of frostbite to the hands and feet, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities and low back disability are related to his active service, specifically his parachute jumping in service and his service-connected right below-the-knee amputation. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to September 23, 2002. From September 23, 2002, the disability was rated at 40 percent based on limitation of motion and pain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder and left knee disorder are at least as likely as not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the nature and etiology of the appellant's current back condition, specifically whether it is related to service or a civilian work accident.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability due to incomplete information and need for additional development.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's service, and thus cannot grant service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds or arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective January 29, 1998. The left leg disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left hand and forearm condition, back condition, and headaches. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action, including scheduling a new hearing and returning it to the Board if necessary.