Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 40 percent disabling due to pain and some diminished tone. Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine secondary to a service-connected left knee disability has been granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeals, thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current low back disorder is related to an injury he experienced while on active duty, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back condition is service-connected, and hearing loss and tinnitus are also service-connected.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current low back and right shoulder disabilities and his military service, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, heart condition, and high cholesterol. Service connection was granted for pes planus but not for mechanical low back pain or pancreatitis with removal of gall bladder.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder.

The veteran's peptic ulcer disease was initially rated at 10 percent and increased to 40 percent effective July 28, 2005.,The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was initially rated at 20 percent from May 5, 2000 and increased to 40 percent from July 28, 2005.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected dorsal spine disability does not warrant a higher rating, and did not meet the criteria for service connection of cervical or lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, and determined that the earliest effective date for a combined 100% rating is June 11, 2002.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury and arthritis of the spine, finding no nexus to service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's low back disorder or bilateral pes planus with arthritis to service, and denied both claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including notification under the VCAA and a medical examination to determine if his current asthma and allergic rhinitis were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for a hiatal hernia, finding that the veteran's current condition is due to symptoms originating during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back and right knee disorders are not related to his active duty service, with no evidence of a chronic disability during service or any link between his service-connected left knee disorder and his current conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's depression is not related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and thus denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's back disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral knee disorder are not related to his military service or a service-connected condition. As such, these claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's fractured nasal bone and found no evidence of service connection for his low back disorder.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation, and there was insufficient medical evidence to link any current conditions to his military service.