Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a total rating on the basis of individual unemployability, finding that the veteran's claim was not reopened after two final denials and that the evidence did not support increased evaluations for her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for low back disability and found it well grounded. The appellant's current low back disability is likely related to her in-service injury, but a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 5, 1998, and denied any claim for an increased rating subsequent to October 5, 1998. The appeal is dismissed as there are no issues related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to failure of the appellant to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case will be reviewed and readjudicated based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is currently manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion, and thus denied an increased rating above 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture at L3 with degenerative disc disease, effective from August 31, 1993.

The Board found that the veteran's low back pain and lumbosacral strain were incurred during his active service.

The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain, which was previously reduced to 10 percent. The evidence supports this decision as it shows moderate limitation of motion and pain with motion.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is not shown to be of such a nature and severity as to preclude employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or muscle spasm. The veteran was currently rated at 10%.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. The claim for depression was reopened but not granted as well-grounded. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at noncompensable.

The veteran's claims of service connection for an object in the right eye, a disability manifested by right foot and heel pain, shoulder injury residuals, and tender right wrist are not supported by evidence. The claim for initial noncompensable evaluation for residuals of fracture, right thumb is supported by evidence.,The veteran has submitted well-grounded claims for service connection for back condition and left index finger injury residuals.

The Board has determined that the appellant's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine were incurred during service, did not exist prior to service, and were permanently aggravated by service. The claims are therefore granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for left acetabular rim degenerative arthritis, finding no evidence of such disorders being incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a well-grounded claim for most of his conditions, except for those related to in-service injuries and current manifestations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disorder and an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with spondylosis at L5-S1, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the left knee claim and determining that the current 20 percent disability rating for lumbosacral strain is appropriate.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a low back injury. The case will now be evaluated based on all available evidence, including the veteran's in-service accident and continuous symptoms since service.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the veteran's preexisting back condition was aggravated by service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for service-connected residuals of lumbosacral surgery effective August 3, 1996. The claim for an earlier effective date for the 60 percent rating is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his anxiety disorder and duodenal ulcer, as well as service connection for abdominal aneurysm, back disorder, tinnitus, and PTSD. The RO evaluated these conditions at their current assigned rates.