Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and granted an increased evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD prior to July 10, 1997. The effective date for service connection for tinnitus is set at January 20, 1999.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation based on dependency of a spouse and children is denied. The effective date for the award of additional compensation for the veteran's spouse was May 1, 1997.

The Board granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with history of lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, postoperative laminectomy, medial facetectomy, foraminotomy, fusion, BAK implants, and postoperative pain with bilateral radiculopathy. The veteran's combined evaluation is 50 percent due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a right ankle disability are granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current chronic disabilities of the low back, penis, right knee or left knee. The claim for a higher rating for right corneal abrasion is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection on multiple issues, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's cervical spine injuries, including whether they are related to service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. The claims for hearing loss, chronic pain syndrome, sinusitis, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and a right foot disorder were denied.

The veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for low back and left knee disorders, and the appeal as to an increased rating for PTSD is dismissed due to the grant of a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent for the appellant's service-connected residuals of a comminuted fracture of the first lumbar vertebra, based on severe limitation of motion with demonstrable vertebral body deformity. The head trauma issue remains at its current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from October 1, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to changes in VA regulations and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 10 percent rating, and his traumatic arthritis, small bones, left hand does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right great toenail disorder, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and left shoulder bursitis are related to his military service. The injuries occurred during active duty training in May 1990.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current low back disorder, and his left eye disorder was present at the time of service entry. The hearing loss disability of the left ear and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, low back pain, hip pain, and depression. Asthma was not found to be related to active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a back disorder and defective hearing of the right ear. The claim for an increased rating for defective hearing of the left ear is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but granted a 20 percent rating for his lumbosacral strain.