Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, currently rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 40 percent is warranted due to severe functional impairment.

The Board found that the veteran was not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected ear disorder, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the old or new criteria.

The Board has denied all the claims for service connection due to lack of objective indications of chronic disability or evidence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability does not warrant a schedular rating greater than 40 percent, as it is no more than severe lumbosacral strain with some signs of nerve root irritation but without pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine effective from December 18, 1989. The RO increased the rating to 40 percent in October 1998.

The RO denied service connection for paranoid schizophrenia but granted an increased rating for the veteran's back disability. The decision is unclear on whether the denial of service connection was based on a finding that it did not meet the direct service connection criteria or if there were other issues at play.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that the additional evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and thoracic spine are denied as there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation based on current symptoms.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 is rated as 40 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted from June 15, 1994.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. For his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with right knee and hip involvement, the Board granted a 20% evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records from the claimant's initial period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and his second period of service in the Ohio Army National Guard. The issue is whether the veteran's low back disability existed before service or if it worsened during service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, but his psychiatric disability has been productive of a demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment since February 24, 1998. His residuals of a shell fragment wound (SFW) of the left arm have resulted in moderate impairment of Muscle Group V muscles.

The VA has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder warrants a 10 percent evaluation, effective from March 1998. The disability is not considered to warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The VA has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back strain, which was previously rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's bilateral lattice degeneration with asymptomatic retinal holes is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's cystic acne is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a low back injury, which was previously denied in August 1996. The medical opinions provided by Dr. Kirven suggest a possible relationship between the veteran's current low back symptoms and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back strain with sciatica. The cervical spine disorder at C1-2 is also considered, but there is insufficient medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back, left hip, and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.