Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for scoliosis of the thoracic spine as secondary to a service-connected low back disability, and arthritis of the thoracic spine is also considered secondary to the scoliosis. The veteran's upper back disability claim remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine is not well grounded.,New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for a cervical spine disorder, but it does not establish service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee and low back disorders are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of severe injuries in service. The preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that these conditions are due to aging rather than service.

The RO denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's major depression prior to September 7, 1994 and granted a 60 percent disability evaluation for her lumbar laminectomy residuals including spinal stenosis effective as of September 7, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck and low back disabilities are service-connected due to aggravation during service, while his bilateral foot disability is also service-connected as it existed prior to service.

The RO has granted an effective date of September 30, 1994 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The appellant's claims regarding initial ratings for his PTSD are pending and will be addressed in a future decision.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current back disorder to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 60 percent, effective from May 7, 1996. The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, also effective from May 7, 1996.

The veteran's increased hearing loss rating was granted with an effective date of May 5, 1993. His claims for service connection for left ankle and hip conditions were not supported by the evidence presented. Service connection for his back condition was established.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's L3 fracture residuals, which include degenerative disc disease and arthritis, warrant a 50 percent evaluation.

The VA denied increased ratings for post-concussion cerebellar dysfunction, post-concussion occipital headaches and dizziness, and traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine. The disabilities are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and back conditions are not well-grounded as there is no evidence showing a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 60 percent for chronic low back strain with pain as residual of injuries in service, based on severe disc disease and radicular findings.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that his current symptoms do not meet the criteria for this condition.,The Board also determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the low back disability claim. The Board found that the additional evidence did not provide a plausible basis for reopening the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, low back disability, and hypertension are not well-grounded because there is no medical evidence of these conditions during service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between any current disabilities and military service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for back disability and residuals of right ankle sprain, as well as a compensable evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The claim for increased evaluations for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist is still pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a video-conference hearing and for issuance of a statement of the case on his claim for back disorder.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current low back disorder to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.