Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need to obtain additional VA medical records.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his post-operative residuals of a herniated lumbar disc was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 60 percent assigned under Diagnostic Code 5293 (pre-amendment criteria). For the cause of death, service connection was denied as there was no medical evidence showing that his back disability contributed to his death. DIC and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims were also denied.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 60 percent evaluation for his low back disability, which was granted in October 2003. The Board determined that the increase in disability occurred after the claim was filed and assigned the effective date based on when the disability became 60 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lower back pain during service was an acute and transitory injury related to lifting heavy objects, and there is no evidence of chronicity. The Board also found no nexus between current lumbosacral strain or degenerative disc disease and service.

The veteran's appeal is being returned to the RO for additional development due to missing medical records and failure to report for VA examinations. The claims are not yet decided.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 because the veteran did not meet the requirement of having a total service-connected disability rating for at least ten years prior to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back condition during service and concluded that the veteran's current low back pain is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for headaches beyond 10 percent from November 1994 to September 15, 2000, and denied an initial evaluation greater than 30 percent thereafter.,Service connection was also denied for skin disorder, joint pain of shoulders and knees, upper lumbar spine disorder, and nervous condition. The Board noted that the veteran's claims were not related to service or undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board found that the veteran's dorsolumbar strain with low back pain syndrome primarily manifested by pain and limitation of motion did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The low back disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, effective December 14, 2005, and there is no evidence of more than slight impairment prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip and knee disorders as secondary to the veteran's service-connected pes planus. Service connection for low back pain is denied.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 40 percent, and service connection for his low back disorder due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition by the service-connected knee disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back and headache conditions are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sinus headaches, finding that the veteran's sinus headaches began during service. The other issues regarding cervical radiculopathy and low back disorder with right leg numbness are remanded.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine does not cause or worsen nerve damage of his right arm and leg. His disability is rated at 40% for moderate limitation of motion, but no higher due to lack of ankylosis. The Board denied all other claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's degenerative arthritis in the facet joints and discs of the lumbar spine with decreased disc space at L5-S1. The claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease does not warrant a higher rating as his disability is currently evaluated at 40 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to a lack of evidence corroborating his claimed in-service stressors and an absence of evidence linking current disabilities to service.