Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of ingrown great toenails, finding that the veteran's current disabilities are more likely than not attributable to his service. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded for further development.

The veteran's PTSD and back disorder are both found to be service-connected.

The Board has ordered the Regional Office to obtain Social Security Administration records and medical records related to the veteran's claim for disability benefits. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected low back strain requires further development, including an examination to determine if there are any additional low back disabilities and whether they are related to or caused by his service-connected low back strain. The issue of secondary service connection for additional low back disability is also being addressed.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine and post-traumatic stress disorder were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder as secondary to his service-connected aseptic meningitis, finding that there was no evidence supporting such a relationship.

The veteran's effective dates for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD and TDIU were granted as of April 14, 2000.,His TDIU was also granted on September 25, 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic low back strain and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine have been granted, with a rating of 40 percent each effective from the date of this decision.

The Board found that the appellant's back injury during reserve service, including multiple parachute jumps, resulted in a current degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The hearing loss disability was also linked to exposure to noise during reserve service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc and joint disease, as well as his claim for a TDIU based on his service-connected back condition. The RO provided multiple VA examinations to assess the severity of the veteran's disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and residuals of left knee meniscectomy warrant initial disability ratings of 10 percent each. The veteran's service-connected conditions are not related to any specific exposure basis or presumption.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied by the RO, and a compensable rating has not been granted.

The veteran's request for restoration of a 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, effective November 1, 2001, is granted. The reduction from 20 to 10 percent was improper due to inadequate review of his medical history and current condition.

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The issues of service connection for degenerative disk changes of the lumbar spine, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right hip disorder, and right ankle disorder were also denied.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss and swollen and painful joints of the lumbar spine and knees. The disabilities are not linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability, including degenerative disc disease with a herniated disc at L4-L5, is currently productive of no more than severe intervertebral disc syndrome and severe lumbosacral strain. The claim for an increased rating to 60 percent or higher under Diagnostic Code 5293 (for pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome) has been denied as the evidence does not show symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Board found no evidence of a currently diagnosed low back disability related to military service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's low back pain. The claim is pending.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's back disorder, TDIU based on this disability, and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) with effective dates of June 13, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection for COPD and TDIU. The effective date for the TDIU was granted as of April 23, 1998.