Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability and for service connection of a back condition secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The evidence did not support granting either claim.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbar strain with herniated intervertebral disc at L4-L5 does not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 10% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of metal fume fever and tinnitus, as well as his other disability claims. The decision is final due to lack of appeal.

The Board denied service connection for defective hearing, left shoulder disability, and low back disability. It also denied increased evaluations for the seizure disorder, migraine headaches (prior to August 30, 1997), and migraine headaches (on and subsequent to August 30, 1997).

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is not shown to be manifested by more than moderate disc disease, does not produce more than moderate limitation of thoracolumbar motion, does not cause incapacitating episodes, and does not limit thoracolumbar motion to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis is not shown, nor are there neurologic symptoms separately ratable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of wounds to muscle groups XIII and XV, right, and service connection for a back disorder and pelvis disorder secondary to these conditions. The evidence did not support granting any of the requested benefits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as he failed to report for a VA examination without good cause.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, or migraine headaches that were incurred in service.,The veteran's statements regarding stressors during service were deemed insufficient and not credible.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis were found to warrant a 60 percent evaluation, effective December 1, 1992. The appeal was denied for higher evaluations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability has aggravated his currently diagnosed low back disability, allowing for secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, as secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy. The claim for direct service connection is being remanded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied in July 1953 due to lack of medical evidence. The effective date remains February 5, 1987, as the claim was reopened based on a liberalization of the law.

The RO denied the veteran's applications to reopen his claims of service connection for back and hearing loss disabilities, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, frostbite to the fingers of both hands, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and surgery to the toes are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeals regarding service connection for low back condition, ulcers, and Agent Orange residuals were dismissed due to the failure to file timely substantive appeals. The claims for hepatitis B and C, hearing loss, and PTSD have been reinstated.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing due to the change in the Veterans Law Judge.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic acquired low back disorder is service-connected, with spondylolisthesis at L5 being attributed to an injury sustained while carrying books down a flight of stairs during active duty.

The veteran's chronic acquired low back disorder and right ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis are both service-connected, and the VA has assigned appropriate disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and facial abrasions, but granted service connection for residuals of injury to the left kidney, status post left nephrectomy. The initial evaluations for the other disabilities were also granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.