Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with secondary service connection regulations.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current symptoms and functional impairment.

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 last final denial. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are not.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it meets the criteria for such an evaluation based on severe functional impairment. The claim for increased rating for osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is denied as there are no findings indicative of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disability, flat feet, low back disorder, and other injuries. The RO granted service connection for a chip fracture of the second finger of the right hand but denied all other claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, carpal tunnel release of both wrists, hemorrhoids, repair of anal fissure, removal of colon polyps, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, residuals of cholecystectomy, residuals of appendectomy, and bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's mechanical low back pain with strain is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher evaluation.

The VA determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board found no evidence of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome or persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back, headaches, and stomach conditions are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with radiculopathy and other symptoms, has been rated at 60 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for her service-connected low back strain and service connection for a cervical spine disorder on secondary basis.

The veteran's TDIU benefits were granted effective June 3, 1996, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the denial of service connection for residuals of a back injury, currently diagnosed as degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee and low back disability, as well as his request for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle. The decision also found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for a low back disability.

The Board finds that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service and denies the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for post traumatic stress disorder, awarded an increased initial rating of 20 percent for diffuse muscle strain of the left hip, and awarded special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance. The other issues were denied.

The Board has determined that the earliest date as of which it is ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred was June 29, 1997. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain with deep back muscle atrophy is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, back disability, and tinnitus. The claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was also denied. Additionally, the Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims for residuals of a neck injury and tinnitus.