Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's lumbar spine disc disease was initially rated at 10 percent from September 1, 1994, to August 23, 1995. From August 24, 1995, the disability was rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was granted effective February 7, 1994. The RO denied his claims for right knee and back disabilities as not service connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded for several of his conditions, including headaches, right shoulder disability, low back pain, bilateral knee disability, impotency, and shortness of breath. The claim for PTSD is considered well-grounded.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder and determined that it is well grounded. The evidence shows that the veteran had spondylolisthesis in service, which was aggravated by service. Therefore, the Board granted service connection for the low back disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and post-traumatic stress disorder, result in a combined rating of 60 percent. The Board has determined that the veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and cervical spine disorder are not well-grounded, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain and strain does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability, but has denied the claim as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability as secondary to his service-connected disabilities is not well-grounded. The claims for increased ratings and evaluations for the right knee and low back disability are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing functional limitations.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a back condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied due to his current disability rating of 100% for schizophrenia, which does not meet the criteria for additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor is he substantially confined to his home.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain warrants a disability rating of 40 percent, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the full nature and extent of his service-connected lumbosacral sprain with lumbar laminectomy. The RO must also address the issues of service connection for a right hip condition and individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right foot or ankle disability, and therefore service connection for residuals of a right foot/ankle injury is denied. The veteran's low back disability remains evaluated at 20 percent.

The veteran's back disability, manifested by radiating pain, numbness, weakness, and decreased range of motion, is rated at a 40 percent evaluation due to severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right hip, and left leg disabilities due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The RO increased the rating for lumbosacral strain with myofascial syndrome to 20 percent effective February 10, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disorder or residuals of an eye injury due to service. The right knee disability is currently rated at 10%.,The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease with related pain but no functional limitation or instability, warrants a rating of 10%

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbar strain with radiculopathy warrants a rating of at least 40 percent, but not more. The evidence did not show persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not that his pre-existing low back disability increased in severity during service and was due to the natural progression of the underlying condition.