Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The VA has determined that the veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease warrants a rating of 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.

The veteran's appeal regarding an increased evaluation for a left knee disability and the effective date of a back disorder prior to March 22, 1995 was denied by the RO in January 1998. The veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal within the required time frame.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct a VA examination to determine the current extent of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease. The RO must also consider all relevant criteria for evaluating disabilities of the spine, including those effective prior to September 23, 2002, effective September 23, 2002, and effective September 26, 2003.

The veteran's lumbar strain and myositis are productive of severe limitation of motion, warranting a disability rating of 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for rupture of the left Achilles tendon and bilateral hearing loss were denied. Service connection was not established for tendonitis of the left elbow, disability of the thoracic spine, disability of the left great toe, or disability of the right shoulder.

The veteran's claims for service connection for mechanical low back pain, hypertension, and right shoulder impingement syndrome were all denied. The Board found no evidence of underlying disabilities that would support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected back disability has not resulted in the loss of use of his feet or hands, and thus denied his claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and upper back strain with radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied all claims, including the initial rating for PTSD and the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was also denied for asthma, DDD/DJD of the lumbar spine, and steatocystoma multiplex.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for bilateral wrist weakness, head pain, chest pain, foot pain, leg pain, knee pain, and neck pain are all denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a higher rating of the veteran's low back disability due to additional development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, a back disability, and a disability manifested by headaches are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The veteran's low back disability warrants a 40 percent rating for limitation of motion of the spine and a separate 10 percent rating for impairment of the right sciatic nerve.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA records and a need for further examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is pending.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability warranted a 40 percent evaluation effective March 21, 2005. Prior to this date, his disability was rated at 40 percent.

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

The veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, with no higher rating granted under the old criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,The veteran was granted an initial 10 percent rating for his fibromyalgia effective November 20, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed back and neck disabilities, as well as his hypertension, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for residuals of chronic fibromyositis, lumbar and gluteal muscles and for special monthly pension (SMP). The SMP claim was remanded due to procedural issues.