Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that an increased evaluation of 40 percent disabling is warranted for lumbar disc disease due to severe limitation of motion, but not for intervertebral disc syndrome or lumbosacral strain. Service connection for bipolar disorder with depression was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of vision, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, low back disorder, left knee disorder, right elbow disorder, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. The appeals were not well-grounded.

The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent effective July 15, 1997. The respiratory disorder (bronchial asthma) has been rated as 30 percent since February 1993.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back strain warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under VA guidelines.

The Board found that the veteran's allergic rhinitis, back disability, and glaucoma were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disorder, diagnosed as spinal stenosis with multiple collapsed vertebrae from L1 to L4, was incurred during active service. The claim is granted.

The Board has not determined whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen claims for service connection for a nervous condition, back condition, or gastrointestinal condition. The veteran's claims were previously denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, right shoulder separation residuals, and right hand and right little finger injury residuals. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right and left shoulder disabilities, a back disability, ulcers, and headaches. The RO previously denied these claims on multiple occasions without the submission of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the exception of tinnitus. The right shoulder condition was rated at 20 percent effective August 29, 1997; lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease at 10 percent; and bilateral eczema at 10 percent. Service connection for tinnitus remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded and have therefore been denied.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain, as manifested by muscle spasm and limited range of motion, warrants a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5295.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, but finds that it is not well-grounded and therefore cannot be granted.

The veteran's claimed disabilities, including depression, dysthymia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypertension, and low back strain, are not service-connected. The RO found that these conditions are secondary to his alcohol dependence and marijuana abuse.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and left heel disorder with subsequent amputation of the left foot, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also found that there is competent medical evidence linking these disorders to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of a direct service connection for the veteran's left foot, ankle, and low back disorders. The claims were denied as not well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability on a direct basis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service and no continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Board found no current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed low back and right ankle injuries, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied. The claim for reopening a previously denied service connection for stomach and bowel disorder remains closed due to lack of new and material evidence.