Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for low back pain and an acquired psychiatric disorder (panic disorder with agoraphobia), finding that the veteran's pre-existing conditions did not worsen during military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability warrants a 60 percent rating, effective from all periods during which this appeal has been pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for residuals of a right femur fracture and service connection for a low back disorder. The denial is based on the current evidence not showing moderate or marked hip or knee disability, fracture of the surgical neck of the femur with a false joint, fracture of the shaft or anatomical neck of the femur with nonunion with weight-bearing preserved with the aid of a brace, or with loose motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, finding that his back disability was not related to service. The left knee and right ankle injuries were also found unrelated to service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The current evaluation of 20 percent is maintained.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during or within one year after his military service.

The Board denied an increased disability evaluation for chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease, finding that the veteran's current condition does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The VA has denied an increased rating for lumbosacral strain and dermatitis, but granted a 10% evaluation for dermatitis. The claim to reopen service connection for syringomyelia with syrinx in the cervical spinal canal was not successful.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and did not grant service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability does not warrant a higher evaluation, as his range of motion is not severe enough to meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the functional impairment due to pain and other symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the appellant's reported stressors and determine if he currently has disabilities resulting from the disorders claimed as service connected. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that an increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder is not warranted, as the veteran's disability currently meets the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation. The issues regarding secondary service connection for cervical spine and acromioclavicular joint disorders are also addressed.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder incurred or aggravated by service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The right knee disorder was also not granted an increased rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the last denial. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records, verify the veteran's service history, and provide an examination to determine if his current back condition is related to his service-connected right knee disorder.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and to have a VA orthopedist examine the veteran. The claim will be reviewed on the merits if new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current migraine headaches and recurrent dizziness are not related to her period of service, and her low back disorder is not related to her military service.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Board denied a higher rating for the service-connected residuals of a lumbar spine injury, finding that the disability is primarily manifested by complaints of low back pain and slight restricted overall motion. The evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need to address his secondary service connection claim for disability of the right leg. The issue of service connection for the right leg is also inextricably intertwined and must be addressed before any decision can be made.