Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's initial evaluations for postoperative dislocation left shoulder and left knee injury are granted at 10% and no higher, respectively. Service connection is established for the service-connected lumbar disc disease. The veteran's claims for additional disabilities are referred to the RO.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The RO must obtain VA orthopedic and neurologic evaluations, including range of motion testing and assessments of intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS), to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the veteran did not file a proper substantive appeal regarding his claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected spondyloarthropathy with involvement of the bilateral sacroiliac joints and lumbosacral spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ear hearing loss and a compensable evaluation for lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is a result of an injury sustained during her period of active duty for training in July 1991, and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left thorax and lumbar spine, affecting Muscle Groups XX and XXI, warrant a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine and low back disabilities, with a rating of 20 percent for each condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to insufficient examination findings. The case will be reviewed again after additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in October 1995, and she did not appeal the decision. In June 1997, she submitted copies of her service medical records to reopen her claim, but the RO did not prepare a rating decision as there was no jurisdiction due to the finality of the previous denial.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a right knee disability were granted, with an effective date of April 23, 1991.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disability is granted, with a current evaluation of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a back condition, leg disorder, GI disorder or dental condition for the purpose of obtaining VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Board has found that the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a fracture of the lumbar spine is plausible and capable of substantiation, thus well grounded. The veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his low back condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's numbness of the right arm, hand and leg is not well grounded. The low back disability was incurred in service, while the neck disability claim is not well grounded.

The veteran's TDIU benefits were granted effective November 10, 1992, the date of his original claim for service connection. The effective date was later changed to December 31, 1997, when he submitted a formal application for TDIU.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims for PTSD, headaches (claimed as residuals of head trauma), and lower back disability. The RO's decisions remain final.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, but granted a 10% evaluation for the veteran's second degree burn scars on his right arm and right flank.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA compensation examination to assess the severity of the veteran's low back disability. The RO must also consider whether an extraschedular evaluation is warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to an injury sustained during his 1993 VA hospitalization for treatment of service-connected PTSD.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further examination and consideration of the veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability, taking into account his complete medical history.