Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected residuals of a lumbosacral strain on an extraschedular basis, finding that the disability did not present such an exceptional or unusual picture with related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization to render inadequate the regular schedular standards.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development of the evidence, including comprehensive VA neurologic and orthopedic examinations. The veteran's service-connected residuals of a low back injury are currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected left foot disability and service connection for secondary disabilities of the left ankle, knee, hip, and back. The veteran was not found to have a current disability in these areas.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine and low back disorders are not due to injury or disease incurred in service, nor can arthritis be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder warranted a 40 percent rating as of February 29, 2000, based on severe limitation of lumbar spine motion. The claim for an increased rating is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral, left hip, and right hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a bone cyst of the left knee. The claimant's request for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a bone cyst of the left knee was granted.

The appellant is seeking an earlier effective date for a 60 percent evaluation of his service-connected low back disability, which was granted in November 4, 1997. The Board has determined that the RO did not provide adequate notice regarding the information or evidence necessary to substantiate the claim and has therefore remanded the case.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have a diagnosis of any back disability and denied her claim for service connection.

The veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder, which is currently diagnosed as a current low back disorder. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeal of his claim for service connection for low back strain due to his withdrawal during a hearing.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection for his back disorder and right hip replacement, as well as his attempt to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis. Further development is needed to obtain VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and pes planus, and granted an increased rating of 100% for shin splints.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with notification requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, including lumbar disc disease. The decision is based on the lack of clear and convincing evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding no evidence of such condition during active duty or post-service. Service connection was granted for loss of vision of the left eye (esotropia with amblyopia), which pre-existed military service and did not worsen during service.,A compensable rating of 10% was assigned for residuals of a right ring finger injury, as the condition manifested limited motion in the affected digit.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for low back strain is being REMANDED to the RO for consideration of the revised rating schedule criteria. The RO will reassess his claim based on these new criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic residuals of a left knee injury, low back injury, bilateral hearing loss, or left ankle injury as claimed. The claims are denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is denied. The claims for increased ratings for right knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and degenerative joint disease of the right knee are granted, each with a rating of 20 percent.