Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is productive of complaints of chronic pain and moderate limitation of range of motion, decreased sensation in the right lower leg, mild spasm in the right-sided paravertebral muscles, and tenderness in the right sacroiliac region. The Board has determined that a 40 percent rating is warranted for his service-connected low back disability.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent since January 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding no competent and persuasive evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and is now considering whether new evidence supports this reopening.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current diagnosed sinusitis or evidence of a service-connected condition. The RO granted service connection in April 2001 but did not address the issues on appeal.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical treatment at a non-VA facility is denied as the veteran was stable enough for transfer to a VA facility by September 25, 2005.

The veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted service connection, while his migraine headaches and tinnitus remain at their current ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of private treatment records.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic bilateral foot disorder to include pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, active duty, and active duty for training. The veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis were granted service connection with a 10 percent evaluation effective October 23, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of urinary incontinence, and there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board also found insufficient evidence to confirm the veteran's alleged stressors for PTSD, thus denying service connection for PTSD. Service connection was denied for low back disability due to lack of a confirmed etiology.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation on an extraschedular basis has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected residuals of a gun shot wound to the right chest, including the associated scar. The rating agency must evaluate the veteran's disability under both old and new criteria based on evidence in the claims file dating back to January 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's back and stomach disabilities were not incurred during service or within one year of separation, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's back disability, diagnosed as pseudogout, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. There is no competent evidence linking his current back disability to events during service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease and scoliosis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that the veteran's account of his in-service activities as a paratrooper is credible. The left knee disorder was not addressed due to lack of information on the veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a neck disability. The remaining issues have not been resolved, with some claims having been granted or increased.

The veteran's low back disability, eczema, and keloid scars of the left leg are all found to be related to his service-connected right ankle and right foot disabilities. The claims for these conditions are therefore granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional examination and consideration of revised rating criteria.