Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with early degenerative changes was initially rated at 20 percent disabling. Beginning July 3, 2003, the disability is now rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral disability and sinusitis were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and cardiovascular disorders secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The increased rating claim for residuals of medial meniscectomy with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the right knee is also denied.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including providing proper VCAA notice and addressing the secondary service connection claim.

The veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and his DDD of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for thoracic strain with degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is being remanded due to incomplete consideration of certain evidence, inadequate VCAA notice, and the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The appellant's claim for an extension of educational assistance benefits due to a low back disability is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, service connection for arthritis of the hands, diabetes mellitus, and psoriasis. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation for the period from June 9, 1997 through February 27, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and low back injury, finding no medical evidence linking current diagnoses to service or any verified stressors. The claim for low back injury was also not granted due to lack of pre-service diagnosis.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability evaluation for her service-connected degenerative disc disease at L2-S1. The Board has decided that further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for a VA examination, is needed before deciding on her claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and residuals of frostbite of the feet are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, and thus denies an increased rating.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected lumbar strain disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, and denied her claims for non-service-connected disability benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his chronic low back syndrome, finding that the evidence does not show limitation of motion or severe limitation of motion as required for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, chest injury, and PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion and lumbosacral strain, warranting a 20 percent rating. The criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient notice provided regarding disability ratings and effective dates for service connection claims.