Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar disc disease due to lumbar strain is being remanded due to the lack of a VA examination report and incomplete medical records.

The veteran's death was found to be related to his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease, and the claim for cause of death is granted. The eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 remains pending.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current low back disorder to his period of active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records. The RO is instructed to secure all relevant VA treatment records and National Guard service records before proceeding with the evaluation of his claims.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury to his feet and found it well-grounded. For the back disability, the examiner concluded that the symptoms are at least as likely as not related to service.

The veteran's service-connected low back syndrome is manifested by complaints of pain and stiffness, with moderate limitation of motion. The Board finds that a 20 percent evaluation under DC 5292 has been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities of the right knee and lumbosacral spine, finding that an increased rating was not warranted under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The RO denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as there was no evidence of severe limitation of motion or other disabling conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted by the veteran, including statements from private physicians, is new and material and should have reopened his claim for service connection for a back disorder. The original denial was based on lack of a nexus between the inservice injury and the current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disability, including Perthes' hip and osteoarthritis, as well as his low back strain, are service-connected. The decision also grants service connection for these conditions based on aggravation during military service.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective June 9, 1998. The veteran's low back disorder was not found to be related to service, but the claim was reopened based on new evidence. The right knee condition is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and increased evaluations for cervical spine fractures with traumatic arthritis and lumbosacral strain. The veteran's headaches are rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA examination and consideration of relevant regulations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and the residuals of a low back injury, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The veteran is now entitled to service connection for these conditions based on direct service connection due to in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury and low back disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of a current disability related to these conditions, nor is there sufficient medical evidence linking them to service.

The veteran's exertional headaches are rated at 30 percent effective September 29, 1996. His low back strain is rated at 20 percent effective September 29, 1996.

The Board found no evidence of chronic lumbosacral strain or left leg disability during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to military service. The COPD claim was not well-grounded, and the left knee and lumbar spine injury claims were found plausible with new evidence submitted.