Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his residuals of lumbosacral strain, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The veteran's right ankle tendonitis claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent was denied.,His low back condition claim, reopened due to new evidence, was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome were granted increased ratings. The effective date for the 40 percent rating for right sciatic nerve paralysis was set at March 12, 2007.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected herniated lumbar disc, fractures of the left and right os calcis with arthritis. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and cervical spine, finding new evidence that supports a possible link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and he is also granted service connection for low back disability and neck disability. The residuals of shrapnel wounds are not addressed as they were not part of the original appeal.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right ankle disorder, and left ankle disorder. The claim for GERD is pending.

The veteran's appeal is denied for the right hand disorder claim. The Board finds that there is no current evidence of a chronic right hand disorder incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence showing the veteran's low back disability was related to his military service, and thus denied the claim for accrued benefits.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of the veteran's current low back disability. The appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a bilateral knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and notification to the veteran about what evidence is necessary to reopen his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his inservice low back complaints and thus denied service connection for residuals of low back injury.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA spine examination to determine if the veteran's back disorder is related to service.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease with left shoulder radiculopathy and left knee ACL injury are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain was denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is pending, as the previous denial remains final. The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for additional consideration of new evidence provided by him.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims for service connection for chronic back and neck disorders.