Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding no evidence of an in-service injury and no current disability related to service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision. The issues of entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment, an earlier effective date for service connection, and temporary total disability rating have not proceeded.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 5293 for intervertebral disc syndrome. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no pronounced level of disability required for a 60 percent rating.

The veteran contends that his low back disability is related to service. The RO has requested additional medical evidence and will conduct a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's back disability.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the RO's August 1973 decision that denied service connection for a herniated lumbar disc, but did not consider the issue of back disability. The veteran is still seeking to reopen his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for thoracic spine and low back disorders as not well grounded. The Court affirmed the denial of these claims, but remanded the issue of special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot callosity, bilateral knee disorders, and lumbar spine disability. The veteran is currently receiving the maximum available rating for his right knee and left knee disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 20 percent, representing slight limitation of motion. The Board found that the veteran's symptoms include pain and fatigue, which justify a higher rating than the current 10 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his chronic muscular strain of the low back, superimposed on degenerative instability.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since April 1996 is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a right hip disability with secondary right leg and low back disability.

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by limitation of motion with traumatic arthritis, is rated at 20 percent. The decision grants a higher rating than the previous 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, a back disorder, and a circulatory disorder secondary to nicotine dependence due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection and rating will be reconsidered after all requested actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to questions about the scope and severity of the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral disability, including whether it involves his left lower extremity. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder. The issue now includes whether the condition preexisted service or was aggravated by active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but only partially grants it. The lung disability claim is still pending and will be addressed in the future.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's low back disability and a 10 percent rating for his deviated nasal septum with sinus congestion, both of which were previously rated as 20 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board has determined that further medical evaluation and clarification is needed before the claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain can be decided.

The VA Regional Office denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that it was not well grounded. The appeal is pending and requires further development.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral pes planus, and diabetes mellitus, contribute to his need for regular aid and attendance. Therefore, the claim is granted.