Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected premature ventricular contractions and degenerative disc disease were denied. The initial evaluation for premature ventricular contractions remains at 30 percent, while the evaluation for degenerative disc disease was increased to 40 percent effective July 25, 2005.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back strain did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 14, 2006.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and VCAA notice.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for the veteran's low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service and obtaining medical records. The veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, left shoulder, and right leg disabilities are also being considered.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance due to her ability to perform daily activities with assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of his lower extremities or both buttocks, and therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring compliance with notification requirements.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of the currently assigned 40 percent and 70 percent evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding VA medical records from a 1971 or 1972 medical examination of the veteran at the Des Moines VAMC. The case will be readjudicated based on any additional information obtained.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against service connection for all claimed conditions.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board and RO have previously denied service connection for various conditions, including a low back disability, diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, right shoulder disorder, bilateral foot disorder, right leg disorder, and right side of the body disorders. The most recent denial was in March 1998 by the RO, which found no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Board 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 February 6, 2004 and found no basis for a rating in excess of 40 percent beginning February 6, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current low back disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is reasonably shown to have had its origins during his period of active service. Therefore, with resolution of all reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, a low back disorder was incurred during active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any low back disability present, including whether it is related to service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease with moderate facet arthropathy of the lumbar spine, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.