Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied, but he received an initial increased rating of 20% for his herniated disc of the thoracolumbar spine with bilateral chronic sacroiliitis as of December 28, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability in December 1985, finding that the evidence did not establish a chronic condition in service and no new factual basis was presented.

The veteran's claims for left ankle, lumbosacral spine, and thoracic spine disabilities were denied as they did not have their onset during active military service or due to exposure to any presumptive conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine injury does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for temporomandibular joint dysfunction and lumbosacral spine disorder have been granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned for each condition.

The Board determined that the veteran's current back condition is not related to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for the veteran's low back disability, effective February 14, 2006.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for a back disorder due to lack of timely filed substantive appeal. The secondary service connection claim for prostatitis remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have evidence to support his claims for service connection for pes planus, plantar fasciitis, a low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, described as herniated nucleus pulposus status post laminectomy & discectomy, lumbosacral spine, was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the criteria for entitlement to this benefit.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a back disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and an increased rating for headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding that the veteran's current low back disability or headaches were incurred in service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has denied all claims for higher initial and subsequent ratings, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for the requested increased disability ratings.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of left mandible fracture since May 2001, and denied service connection for back disorder and arthritis.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical diagnosis of a low back disability and thus service connection for the condition cannot be granted. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and consideration of various issues, including service connection claims and disability rating determinations.

The Board has reviewed the evidence since the August 2000 rating decision and determined that it is mostly new, as the bulk of the evidence relates to a low back disability. The claim will be reopened based on new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, but denied the remaining issues of initial noncompensable ratings for left inguinal hernia and allergy rhinitis, as well as service connection for skin rash (upper buttocks, thighs, and arm pits) and a right ankle.