Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability, including obtaining updated medical records and examinations.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and separate ratings for orthopedic and neurologic disabilities relating to chronic low back pain have been denied.,VA has granted service connection and a separate 20 percent evaluation for chronic low back pain with spondylosis and limitation of motion, effective from September 23, 2002. The RO assigned this effective date because it was the effective date of a final rule allowing for separate ratings for neurologic disabilities.,The veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as his low back symptoms do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain and left knee tendonitis are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or instability. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, or left shoulder disabilities in service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain his medical records from Dr. Tyson.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional information from the Social Security Administration regarding the veteran's back disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disability and service connection for right knee, gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claims for prostate cancer, low back disorder, and cervical spine disorder were denied as there was no evidence of a causal connection to service or exposure to asbestos.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hypercholesterolemia/hyperlipidemia was withdrawn, and the claim is dismissed. The low back disability issue remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic back disorder did not first manifest in service or within a year of separating from service, and is not related to a disease or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disorder was granted, with the effective date being determined based on the specific issues and periods of time involved. The rating assigned varied from 20 percent prior to April 27, 2001, to 60 percent from October 29, 2004, to May 2, 2005, with a subsequent increase to 10 percent since March 1, 2006.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a 60 percent rating, effective from November 13, 1989. The claim for increased rating of varicose veins of the left leg remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for an abdominal disorder and a lumbar spine (low back) disability, finding that the most recent medical evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, knee condition, and hypertension due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with multiple herniated discs, was incurred during active service.

The veteran's initial compensable evaluation for spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted prior to June 28, 2005. From June 28, 2005, his disability rating was increased to 60 percent.