Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's traumatic arthritis and degenerative joint disease due to lumbosacral strain, which is more than the current 40 percent rating.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension did not increase in severity during service and was therefore not aggravated by service. The right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the veteran contends an increase in severity warranting a higher rating.

The VA has denied increased ratings for the veteran's thoracic spine disability and right hand laceration residuals, finding that current evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 20 percent disability rating, based on moderate limitation of motion and degenerative disc disease.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, evaluated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5293 for intervertebral disc syndrome, does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of evidence supporting more severe impairment.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected right knee disability and declined to reopen the claim of service connection for chronic low back disability. The veteran's thoracic spine disability was rated at 10 percent, based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to moderate limitation of motion and no severe impairment.

The veteran's service-connected disability is rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a 60 percent rating based on pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and low back condition with degenerative joint disease, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and a psychiatric disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the November 1984 rating decision contained clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in not granting service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain. The veteran's DJD of the lumbosacral spine is now granted.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to determine if the veteran's current low back disability is related to his active military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the veteran's low back disability, effective from January 8, 1999. The original rating was increased to 20 percent from May 16, 1995.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe limitation of motion due to pain and mild tenderness at L4-5, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293. The maximum schedular evaluation available is 40 percent.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that it is not related to his in-service low back sprain/strain and thus decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative lumbar disc disease is aggravated by his service-connected right leg disability, leading to a decision on both issues.

The Board found that the veteran's congenital low back disability preexisted entrance into active service and did not sustain any permanent increase in severity during active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

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

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected lumbar disc disease, L4-L5, effective August 21, 2001.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-operative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome does not warrant an increased rating beyond 60 percent due to lack of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.