Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease with lumbar strain is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disorder in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection as his current back disorders are not related to his active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for low back disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and low back disorder are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss due to aggravation during active service, but dismissed the appeals regarding left knee disability and low back disability.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain was evaluated at a 10 percent rating since September 1, 2001. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.,Service connection for the right knee condition is denied.

The Board granted an increased initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from August 24, 2000. The RO also granted a separate 10 percent disability evaluation for right sciatic neuropathy, effective from the same date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and PTSD. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was previously denied in May 1983, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder is productive of not more than moderate impairment with limitation of motion, no ankylosis, no sciatic nerve involvement or other neurological component objectively shown, and evidence of additional limitation from incoordination, excess fatigability, pain, weakness or repetitive use. Bedrest has not been prescribed.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeal, and the Board is dismissing it.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of spiral meningitis, bilateral knee disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and back disability are denied as there is no competent evidence showing current disabilities or a link to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and headaches, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of any current left ankle and lumbar spine disorders, as well as whether service connection should be granted for these conditions. The veteran's address needs to be verified and all appropriate records must be obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for right knee and mid back disabilities, considering both direct and secondary theories of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding it at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to completion of its appellate review for the claim of an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for a cervical spine disorder.

The veteran's claim for a total disability compensation rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the veteran for an examination to assess his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability and psychiatric disability were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they related to any incident therein. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for high cholesterol, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and a respiratory disorder claimed as due to asbestos exposure. The decision found that elevated cholesterol is not a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and pulmonary disability. The case is now remanded for further development, including VA examinations.