Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 20 percent and 60 percent for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, finding that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of his disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of back, left shoulder, and hiatal hernia disabilities as secondary to the veteran's service-connected right knee disability due to a failure to file a timely substantive appeal. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim is also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for a cervical spine condition, low back condition, anal fissures, and anxiety disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation training.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral strain disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal or request an extension of time to do so.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability, which was previously denied in July 1950. The veteran's current diagnosis of low back pain secondary to disc herniation and degenerative disc disease is significant because it was not shown at the time of the previous denial.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury due to insufficient evidence and incomplete medical records. The veteran was advised to provide information about his treatment history, obtain copies of relevant VA and non-VA medical records, and contact witnesses.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a vitreous floater of the right eye, refractive error, and a psychiatric disorder secondary to service-connected disabilities. The appeal was also denied for service connection for a dental condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current chronic thoracolumbar strain is a result of an injury sustained during active service in June 1992, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran seeks service connection for arthritis of the left knee and lumbar scoliosis, claiming these conditions are related to his service-connected left knee condition. The Board has ordered additional development including a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board found no medical evidence showing a causal relationship between the veteran's back disability and his service-connected postoperative residuals of subtotal thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, thus denying both claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and low back disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on current symptomatology.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches has been granted. The Board found that the veteran experiences migraines three to five times per month, lasting from one to two days, and assigned a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for kidney stones, depression, and a back disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral spine disability was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to ensure all necessary development has been completed and readjudicated.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease warrants a rating of 40 percent, but not higher. The evidence does not support an increase in disability rating beyond this level.