Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and an undiagnosed illness manifested by a skin condition, finding the claims not well-grounded.

The veteran's initial evaluations for his low back disorder and right knee disorders have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's motion for revision of a decision was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for low back and right knee disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The decision is final as it was a prior Board decision.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's low back pain complaints treated after service to any specific disease process or injury in service, and thus denied his claim of service connection for a low back disorder.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to notify the appellant about the non-receipt of requested medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disorder as secondary to left knee disorder, and back disorder as secondary to left knee disorder are denied. The claim for increased evaluation of the left knee is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder and granted it. The claim of service connection for a back disorder is also granted. Special monthly compensation based on regular need for aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate remains denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for retropatellar arthralgia of the right knee, lumbosacral strain, and major depression.

The VA determined that the veteran's back condition, while painful and causing some limitations, does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent due to lack of evidence supporting additional disability beyond what is already accounted for by the current 20 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and loss of bladder control as secondary to the service-connected back disorder. The veteran's tinnitus was not addressed in this decision, but is related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is well grounded. However, the claims for service connection for back, left hand and eye disabilities are not well grounded and are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, residuals of asbestos exposure, and residuals of exposure to toxic materials are not well grounded. The claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder is well grounded, and the veteran was granted service connection for dysmenorrhea.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for low back pain, as the evidence was largely cumulative or irrelevant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, low back disability, epididymitis, prostatitis, and ulcers are not well-grounded as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active military service.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for a cervical spine disorder, but the effective date and rating need to be determined by the RO. The veteran's total unemployability benefit is also under consideration.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder, and jungle rot, as well as an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a tear of the left lateral meniscus and partial tear of the left quadriceps muscle. The decision also reopened one or more claims on the basis of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the last final denial in 1993 is not so significant that it must be considered to fairly decide the merits of the claim. New and material evidence has not been submitted, and the claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant has not submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claims for service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board granted an increased disability rating for the veteran's cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral muscular pain. The attorney fees from past-due benefits are eligible based on this decision.