Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for her lumbar strain and for service connection for asthma with chest pain (claimed as breathing problems), finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or new material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new applicable diagnostic codes, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the veteran's lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative disease, and for consideration of new medical opinions on service connection for bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, cervical spine stenosis, and left thumb disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including shoulders, right knee, lumbar spine, and hands, is related to his active military service. The appeal for service connection is granted.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular evaluation for orthopedic manifestations of degenerative disc disease. The claim for an earlier effective date was withdrawn by the appellant.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of her service-connected disabilities, including a spine and feet examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for an updated VA examination.

The veteran claims service connection for a low back disability, which he alleges was caused by a motor vehicle accident during service in April 1967. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability is attributable to service and grants service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The temporary total disability rating claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for service connection for DDD of the cervical and lumbar spine and impotency.

The Board has granted service connection and assigned initial disability ratings for the veteran's conditions, but did not provide specific details on the effective dates or rating assignments.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a skin disorder due to herbicide exposure, or significant impairment in the joints and gastrointestinal system that would warrant higher ratings.

The Board has denied the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for a low back disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ovary disorder, lower back disorder, and major depressive disorder (claimed as depression secondary to service-connected disorders).,The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a back or right shoulder disability as a result of his military service, including from parachuting while in service. As such, he is denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disorder in service and concluded that the current lumbar spine disorder is not related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition and hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current lower back disability and therefore, service connection cannot be established.