Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection and increased ratings for cervical spine disability, low back strain, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's assertions of continuity of symptomatology were not supported by objective evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for an amnestic/cognitive disorder due to VA heart surgery in December 1997, and denied his increased rating claim for degenerative disc disease with compression fracture at L1/L2 and initial compensable rating or ratings for bilateral sciatica.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back injury and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities, as well as service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected gout of the right ankle, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and a chronic low back disorder to include low back pain were denied. The claim for service connection for a chronic left hand disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for ataxia, claimed as incoordination or dizziness, and for indigestion, to include as secondary to an anxiety disorder, are not supported by the evidence of record. The Veteran served in Vietnam but there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his residuals of cold injuries to the feet and fingers, are all found to be related to service. PTSD is also found to have been incurred in service.

The Board finds that there is a preponderance of evidence against the Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of an injury to the lumbosacral spine, including chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis. The medical evidence does not establish a nexus between any current low back disability and any incident of service.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 60 degrees or less, or a combined range of motion limited to 120 degrees. There are no chronic neurological pathologies such as bowel or bladder impairment due to service-connected disability. The schedular criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for mechanical low back pain have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and right hip disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his fracture of the 3rd sacral vertebra with chronic lumbosacral strain was denied. The disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes, hypertension, left knee disorder, and low back disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The pre-existing conditions were known upon entry into service in 2003.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from June 10, 2008. The lumbar spine disability has been rated as 40 percent since that date. The ulnar radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. Bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition, and thus denied an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of the amended criteria for rating traumatic brain injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, and denied service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper back condition, a bilateral ear condition, and high cholesterol. The Veteran does not have current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her service-connected disabilities, including examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, but denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hip disorder. The Veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his service-connected right knee disability. However, the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease for his lumbar spine and bilateral hip disorders.