Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's low back disability, manifested by severe recurring attacks of intervertebral disc syndrome, is rated at 40 percent under the criteria for degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome. The RO has determined that this level of impairment warrants a higher evaluation than the current 20 percent rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased rating and total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected lumbar syndrome, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbar disc disability, which is currently rated at 40 percent disabling, does not warrant an increase in evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The chronic lumbosacral strain manifested by chronic mechanical low back pain is found to be a result of his service-connected right lower extremity pathology, including leg shortening.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his conditions were not well-grounded or met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia and a compensable evaluation for periodontitis are not well grounded. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain is remanded for additional development.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the veteran's conditions did not warrant higher evaluations under VA regulations.

The Board denied the appellant's requests to reopen his claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic fatigue, joint pain in shoulders, hips, and elbows, headaches, back disability, and right knee disability are well-grounded. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected dorsolumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for verification of his Reserve service and additional VA treatment records. A physical examination is also required to distinguish between symptoms related to his service-connected condition and those from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disorders, as well as his claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent prior to June 1, 1999 for hypertension. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the hypertension issue.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral spine disorder was denied by the RO in May 1998, as he had already been granted service connection and a noncompensable disability rating.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for service-connected compression fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, stating that it was most likely caused by post-service injuries rather than the inservice injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, right leg disability, and defective hearing are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a relationship between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current heart disease or low back disability to his service, including any incidents therein. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation of pre-existing conditions in service.

The Board found no evidence of a current back disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disability, and will proceed with further review.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, finding that the veteran's current condition approximates the criteria for this rating. Service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current cervical spine disability is related to service, and denied the claim.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.