Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The VA has determined that your current disability rating for the residuals of a third right transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine is 20 percent, and it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or for years thereafter, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The issue of an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is addressed separately.

The veteran's claims for a higher initial evaluation for chronic low back pain and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate development. A VA examination is needed, and the veteran should be provided with notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The veteran's initial evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine strain and diffuse spondylosis was increased from 20 percent to 40 percent. The case is now remanded due to the need for further examination of the lumbar spine, including EMG testing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease with spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found no evidence of scoliosis in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for this condition. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish a link between current degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine and service, leading to denial of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, compartment syndrome of the left leg, and compartment syndrome of the right leg.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back strain, finding that his disability resulted in moderate pain and muscle spasm on extreme forward bending.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's low back disorder to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have herniated lumbar discs and that there is no evidence linking any current lumbar spine disorder to his service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that his symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a more recent examination of the veteran's low back disorder, as his most recent examination was performed prior to his recent surgery. The issues are for increased ratings for both his low back and left knee disorders.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various joint conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical evidence and examinations to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted, and his claim to reopen his left knee disability was also granted. The examiner will be asked to determine if there is a 50% or better probability that the low back disability is caused by or worsened by the left knee disability.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic injury in service and concluded that the veteran's current cervical spine condition did not have its onset during her military service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, neck disorder, and bilateral arm disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a back disorder and her attempt to reopen a service connection claim for asthma. The decision found no current diagnosed low back disorder, thus denying service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right leg and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current neuropsychiatry condition, right knee condition, low back condition, onychomiscosis, hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service. The veteran's psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are currently rated at 0 percent, while his epidermal cyst is also rated at 0 percent.