Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back strain with weakness in the left thigh is being remanded due to incomplete development of evidence. The VA needs to conduct a new examination and address specific concerns regarding functional loss, pain, and other symptoms.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right ankle fracture with osteoarthritis prior to January 30, 1996 and denied any increase in rating. The low back disorder is rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of his service, to include on a presumptive basis, or on the basis of aggravation.

The VA determined that the appellant's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but did not grant an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability, which includes degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with muscle spasms, does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has granted a special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to multiple disabilities, including macular degeneration, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease with recurrent transient ischemic attacks, smokers bronchitis, low back syndrome with osteopenia, and mixed psychoneurosis. The appellant's left thigh gunshot wound residuals are currently evaluated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a back disorder, particularly the thoracic spine. The evidence submitted does not meet the criteria to be considered new and material.

The veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred in September 1995 for a total knee replacement were denied because the treatment was not an emergency, and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is not well grounded because there is no competent medical evidence linking his current back disorder to VA vocational rehabilitation.

The Board found that the veteran's current lumbar and thoracic spine disability was not present during service or for years thereafter, and was not caused by any incident of service.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee, but denied service connection for depression and a low back disorder secondary to the veteran's right knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review. The issues of increased evaluations for his left knee disability, low back disability, and sinusitis are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and hypertension, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected back disorder and determined that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined rating of both conditions is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for right hand pain, tinnitus of the right ear, and a back disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not establish current disabilities or a link to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his low back disability from December 31, 1996 was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability in 1989. The veteran submitted new evidence, including medical records and military orders, but this evidence was not considered material as it did not provide a new nexus between his current disabilities and any in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of moderate limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right hip disorder and low back disability, finding that her claim was not well grounded.