Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by gastric erosions and constant epigastric pain, is now rated at the highest possible 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7307. His low back disorder, with significant loss of motion but no severe symptoms or signs, remains at a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the highest possible rating under applicable criteria. The condition involves severe limitation of motion on backward extension and additional functional impairment due to pain.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded, and thus denied them. The chest nerve damage claim was related to treatment provided for a service-connected lumbosacral strain with postoperative residuals of a T5-6 diskectomy. The leg disorder claim was secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain and status post diskectomy at T5-6.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar disc disorder and an increased evaluation for arthritis and myositis of the lumbar spine, finding that the veteran's conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and lumbosacral strain. The current ratings of 30%, 20%, 50%, and 10% respectively are maintained.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral instability with DJD and for service connection for a chronic upper gastrointestinal disability as secondary to his low back disability. The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current back or stomach disabilities to his military service.,For the left shoulder disability, the VA examination showed slight deformity and atrophy but normal range of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ear disorder, to include bilateral hearing loss is well grounded. However, further examination and development are needed before the merits of this claim can be evaluated.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, effective from the date of receipt of his claim. The veteran's total evaluation based on individual unemployability is remanded.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 40% since June 13, 2000.,The right knee disability was initially granted with a noncompensable rating from September 1, 1995 to February 11, 1998. It was then increased to 10% from February 12, 1998 to June 12, 2000 and further increased to 40% after that date.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar strain was initially rated at 10 percent from April 29, 1995 through November 8, 1998.,From November 9, 1998, the disability evaluation increased to 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for arteriosclerotic heart disease and myositis, lumbosacral paravertebral.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability, lung disability, bilateral knee disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and nicotine dependence, are not well-grounded. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that these conditions originated during service.

The veteran's low back disability is not service-connected as there is no medical evidence linking it to his military service.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The veteran has a history of foot pain dating back to 1990, which continues into the present day.,The claim for abnormal liver function test results is denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current disability.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA orthopedic examination. The issues on appeal are whether an increased initial evaluation should be granted for his right hip disability and if the bilateral factor was appropriately considered in previous rating decisions.

The veteran's lumbar disc disease was rated at 20 percent prior to August 1, 1998, and increased to 60 percent thereafter. The RO denied higher ratings for the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and assigned a 40 percent disability evaluation. The veteran is seeking a higher initial rating.

The Board denied the veteran's attempts to establish service connection for a low back disability and denied his increased rating claims for knee disabilities. The decision also noted that all evidence necessary for an equitable disposition of the veteran's appeal as it pertains to the evaluation of his knee disabilities has been obtained by the RO.