Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral bursitis of the hip and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not support entitlement to such evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and a higher evaluation for his low back disability. The claim for hepatitis was found to be not well grounded, while the low back disability received a 20% rating effective from March 2000.

The VA has granted increased ratings for the veteran's thoracic, lumbar, and cervical spine arthritis disabilities. The current ratings are 10 percent for thoracic spine arthritis, 20 percent each for lumbar and cervical spine arthritis.

The Board found no evidence of service-connected PTSD, facial scars, or a low back condition. The veteran's headaches were not linked to his active military service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the service-connected left knee disability, effective from March 1997. The claim for service connection of a low back disorder as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability is well-grounded and the veteran's current range of motion in his left knee is considered.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a chronic acquired psychiatric disability to include schizophrenia are being remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple conditions, including those allegedly related to Agent Orange exposure. The decision found that there was no competent medical evidence linking these symptoms or disorders to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for severe limitation of motion.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for another Travel Board hearing on the issues of reopening service connection claims for back and left hip disorders.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for low back strain and bilateral inguinal repair scars, finding that there was no evidence of additional functional loss or impairment warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for back and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there was no competent evidence of a current disability or a causal link to VA treatment in November 1994.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various undiagnosed illnesses are denied as her complaints have not been objectively confirmed or linked to service.

The veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions. However, the specific rating assigned and effective date are not provided in this decision.

The veteran's back and hip conditions have been found to be disabling enough for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes, considering his age, education, and occupational background.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO conducted a VA examination and considered the veteran's symptoms, but did not provide sufficient evidence to grant the requested increase.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder, including arthritis of the lower back, is not well grounded as a claim for secondary service connection to his right knee disability. The evaluations for his right knee and umbilical hernia scar remain unchanged.

The case is being remanded for further development, including verification of the veteran's service dates and procurement of medical records.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for tinnitus effective June 10, 2000. The veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is well grounded. The low back disability claim was reopened and the new evidence supports the reopening of the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a head injury and low back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen her claims. The claim for residuals of a head injury was denied because the VA examination report did not provide a nexus between the claimed condition and active duty service. The claim for low back disorder was denied as there is no current disability related to service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a low back disability, finding that the veteran did not have these conditions related to his military service.