Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased evaluation of his low back disability, currently rated at 40 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment.

The veteran's low back disability was previously rated at 10% prior to June 10, 2004. Since then, the VA has granted a 20% rating effective from June 10, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as spondylolisthesis, existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD and lumbar disc disease were not granted as they are not related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and granted a 10% rating for bilateral tinnitus, but the veteran's claim remains pending on PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent for limitation of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of severe loss of range of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right shoulder disorders, including degenerative disc disease, bursitis, rotator cuff syndrome, impingement syndrome, and mild subluxation, are aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back disability, which includes L4-5 degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease and sciatica. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of the condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, left ankle disability, and heart condition due to lack of evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, sleep disorder, and skin disorder. The Board granted service connection for an anal fistula. Service connection was not established for PTSD with depression.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected PTSD, DDD of the lumbar spine, and DDD of the cervical spine are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for a back disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions. The current diagnoses are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in service and any arthritis of the lumbar spine may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right thumb disability, residuals of a right fifth metatarsal fracture, back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are all denied.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain has been granted a 20 percent evaluation, and his right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent from June 29, 2004.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain and a bilateral foot condition, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his period of active military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of low back strain, heart disability, and residuals of transient ischemic attacks. The RO denied these claims in July 1989 due to lack of evidence of chronic conditions during service and no current disabilities related to service.