Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for the veteran's low back strain with pain, effective from the date of his claim. The tinea pedis remains rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating (60 percent) should be granted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic recurrent low back strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of both old and new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder. The veteran's disability manifested by lumbosacral facet syndrome is due to disease or injury incurred in active service, while damage to cutaneous innervation of midposterior thoracic area is also likely due to an injury in active service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain was also denied as there were no findings supporting the need for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to the veteran's request for a hearing and clarification of his wishes.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after these actions are completed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his low back disability and pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability to include arthritis and the claim of service connection for a respiratory disability due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claims were found to lack new and material evidence, and there is no competent medical evidence linking current disabilities to service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for low back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of pneumonia, a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral avascular necrosis of the hips, and cardiovascular disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran seeks an evaluation in excess of the current 10 percent rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records, conduct a VA examination, and consider the appropriate disability rating under the amended VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine and arthritis of the left knee, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The veteran's current low back disability is presumed to have originated during his period of active duty.

The veteran's current foot disability, bilateral os calcis spurs, is granted as incurred in service. The low back disability is also granted due to the nature of the veteran's complaints and diagnoses during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's effective date for his TDIU should be set at July 20, 1998, as this is when he formally submitted a claim for such benefits.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The reopened claim will require additional development and is being remanded to the RO.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of shoulder and hand injuries, right shoulder injury, neck condition (including degenerative disc disease), arm conditions (including carpal tunnel syndrome), and migraine headaches. The veteran's symptoms were not found to be related to his military service.

The veteran's low back syndrome with degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and radiculopathy is currently rated as 40 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.