Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for mechanical low back pain and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, missing service medical records, and consideration of new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD or depression, attributable to his military service.,Regarding the back disorder and bilateral hearing loss claims, there is no evidence of such conditions during active duty. The RO will attempt to obtain additional VA medical records for further review.

The veteran's vision in both eyes is not less than 5/200 and he does not have concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less; he is not a patient in a nursing home because of incapacity; and he has not established a factual need for aid and attendance. Therefore, the requirements for special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural defects in notification and evidence collection, including obtaining service medical records from 1980-1983 and additional treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if any current low back disability is at least as likely as not etiologically related to the veteran's active duty service, including whether in-service injury caused, contributed to cause, or aggravated a current disability of the back.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected low back disorder is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine have been denied. The right knee disability has resulted in multiple rating changes over time.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, right-sided chest pain, erectile dysfunction, and nerve disability of the left leg are related to an undiagnosed illness associated with his service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there was no evidence of significant limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The current diagnoses are not related to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to new and material evidence submitted. However, the claim is denied as there is no evidence establishing a relationship between the veteran's current low back disorder and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed right hip, right shoulder, back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting a current disability or a link to active service.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain was previously rated at 20 percent, effective January 18, 1999. The RO increased the rating to 40 percent as of October 14, 2004.

The Board has determined that a current low back disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is the result of an inservice injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining copies of June 2003 examination reports and re-adjudicating the claims.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar disc disease and left shoulder disability are not related to his military service or any service-connected condition.,The right ankle fracture residuals have been rated as 10 percent disabling, but there is no evidence of severe functional limitation.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder was granted a 40 percent evaluation effective December 11, 2001. The lumbar spine disorder continued to be rated at 20 percent prior to that date and is now rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's low back disability was initially rated at 10% and later increased to 20%. The Board found that from June 13, 1994 to October 19, 2005, the disability met criteria for a 20% rating. From October 20, 2005, it meets criteria for a 60% rating.