Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted in June 1998 with a 10% evaluation. In May 2000, the VA increased his PTSD rating to 30%, effective March 24, 2000. The low back disorder claim remains pending as new evidence has not been presented to reopen it.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain, cervical spine injury, and fracture of the right little finger were denied by the RO. The RO continued the evaluations at 20%, 30%, and 0% respectively.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The RO must now review the merits of the claim on a de novo basis.

The Board has granted a higher (10 percent) evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back strain, effective from June 12, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat during his service, and thus could not establish PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor. The heart disease was also denied as secondary to the low back disorder. For the low back disorder, the evaluation remained at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a 20 percent evaluation is warranted for thoracic and lumbar strain, and a compensable evaluation (10%) is granted for the residuals of shell fragment wound to muscle group XIV, right groin and thigh with retained foreign body.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations is denied because he does not meet the criteria for these benefits based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, and right knee disabilities as well as an increased evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the right femur.

The Board has granted service connection for right heel spur disability and low back disability, finding that both conditions began during the veteran's active service.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective December 27, 1996. The claim for an earlier effective date was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for memory loss and also denied his attempt to reopen his service connection claim for degenerative disc disease, thoracic and lumbar spine.

The veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, as well as left elbow, is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic headache disability or a back disorder as a result of disease or injury during service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to service. The appeal is based on new and material evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right sacroiliac joint tenderness with a history of low back strain, bilateral pes planus, chondromalacia of the left knee, and chondromalacia of the right knee.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for a back disability due to the veteran not perfecting an appeal within the required time frame.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, as there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his in-service injury and current condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, bilateral knee disability, and low back pain. The veteran was also denied an increased evaluation for flatfeet.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain and liver damage due to substance abuse, finding that there was no credible evidence supporting these claims.

The Board granted increased evaluations for the veteran's cervical spine disability, with a 40% evaluation effective June 19, 2001.