Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disorder or acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to service. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a link between his current conditions and events during service.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back disability and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria. The Board finds that no higher ratings are warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are currently evaluated as 20 and 10 percent disabling, respectively. The Board has determined that the criteria for disability evaluations in excess of these percentages have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the VA examiner found no additional limitation during flare-ups or on repetitive use. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and lumbar spine disability, including considering whether there is a relationship to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology, as there was no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were granted increased ratings, while the left shoulder disability was found to have originated in service. The skin disorder of the fingers is presumed to be due to exposure to fuel in service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back disability was denied, and the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective from February 13, 2006 to December 5, 2006. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to her service-connected lumbar spine disability was also granted a separate 10 percent rating effective from February 13, 2006 to December 5, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting lumbar spine defects (hemivertebra at L5 and scoliosis) were not aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disorder and has granted a disability rating of 50 percent for residuals of viral meningitis with headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lower back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of diagnostic testing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and personnel records from the Veteran's military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not manifest during service and is not related to his active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected residuals of fracture of the 5th lumbar vertebrae with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder that is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disorder. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss, but it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating prior to July 14, 2006 was denied. From July 14, 2006, the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for his claimed low back, right knee, bilateral hip, and left ankle disorders. The evidence fails to show an in-service event or injury related to these conditions, nor is there any indication of continuity of symptomatology post-service. As such, service connection cannot be granted.