Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, which was previously denied in 1967. The case is now reopened.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and a left foot disorder, but denied his increased rating claims. The evidence submitted since the last final denial is considered new and material with regard to the low back disorder claim.

The Board finds that the veteran developed a psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected low back disorder and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for the low back disability is remanded due to lack of recent examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his low back disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, which resulted in severe intervertebral disc syndrome, warrants a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disability or chronic knee disabilities, and therefore service connection cannot be granted. The RO's original ratings for right and left knee pain syndromes are upheld at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is required to determine the etiology of the veteran's back disability. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 5292 for severe limitation of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her lumbar bridging with disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the final September 1994 decision. The RO is directed to schedule the veteran for a VA examination, obtain all relevant medical records, and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new medical evidence linking his current back disability to his military service. The claim is now considered granted.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the April 1996 rating decision. The RO rejected the reopening of the claim due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for spondylolysis of the lumbar spine with fusion in October 4, 1984. The decision is not considered to involve clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has granted service connection for a right elbow disability and assigned a 10 percent rating. The low back disability is also service-connected, with a non-compensable rating initially assigned but now at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, low back injury, and right ankle injury. The claim for higher rating for residuals of a left wrist injury is also denied.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment was denied due to the lack of evidence showing loss or permanent impairment of use of one or both feet or hands, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder secondary to the veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder, but is unable to determine if this issue was part of an appeal regarding service connection or another issue. The initial evaluation remains at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or being housebound.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's current low back disorder, including status post laminectomy/Post's disease (spinal tuberculosis), is related to his service. The RO must make a further attempt to obtain any missing service medical records and arrange for an examination of the veteran by a physician with appropriate expertise.