Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is at least as likely as not related to service, and thus grants service connection for a low back disability.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected low back scar is remanded due to the need for additional development. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back disorder is also remanded.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and denied his claims for service connection for PTSD, a scar over the right eye, and lumbar disc disease.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examination and consideration of revised VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation services, finding that he did not have an employment handicap and thus did not meet the eligibility criteria under Chapter 31 of Title 38.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a comprehensive neurological examination.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disorder, right foot arch, arthritis of the wrists, and prostate disorder. The veteran's current disabilities are not considered radiogenic diseases or shown to have been present during service or for many years thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disability, including arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic acquired variously diagnosed cervical spine disorder was incurred in active service, and thus granted her claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar muscle spasm is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased evaluation for hypertension. The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disability in service or within one year post-service, and thus could not associate any current low back problems with his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, low back condition, gynecological disorder, and PTSD have been granted. The evaluation for the service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of each knee has also been increased to 10 percent from July 9, 1995 to April 20, 2000.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, skin disorder of the hands and feet, or neck disorder. The preponderance of the evidence did not link these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for post-operative lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with laminectomy residuals, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his inservice trauma. The issues of service connection for chronic hearing loss disability, a chronic shoulder disorder, and a chronic hip disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5295.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for his back disability, as there was no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a back disability and an initial rating greater than 0 percent for basal cell carcinoma excision, upper chest. The appellant was not shown to have a current disability within the meaning of the law.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a low back injury and left hip disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.