Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The VA determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 results in no more than moderate impairment, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of dorsal lumbar sympathectomy on a direct incurrence basis, finding that there was no evidence to support this claim.

The Board found no competent evidence to support the veteran's claim of a back disorder due to service, thus denying the claim.

The Board found that the reduction of the evaluation for low back strain with hamstring spasms superimposed upon congenital scoliosis, with severe limitation of motion, from 40 to 20 percent was void ab initio and restored the 40 percent evaluation. The veteran's dysthymic disorder with a depressed mood is rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to October 16, 1996 for service connection for low back pain syndrome and a higher evaluation for her low back disability. The veteran's seizure disorder claim was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbar paravertebral myositis and bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy is well grounded. The RO assigned a 40 percent disability rating effective June 27, 1996, but did not address the period from March 29, 1995 to June 27, 1996. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, shoulder disorder, and hematuria or bloody stools. The claim of service connection for PTSD is granted with a 50% evaluation.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the right hip, left wrist sprain, low back disorder, hypertension, stomach disorder, cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke, and seizure disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and back disability, finding that new evidence did not reopen his claim for hearing loss and that there was no nexus between his current back disability and his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the claim is not well grounded and therefore denied.

The Board found that the appellant did not meet the burden of proof to establish service connection for neck and/or back disability, as there was no evidence of chronic disability resulting from any of the claimed injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, tinnitus, and syneresis of the eyes. A 10 percent rating is assigned for residuals of a dislocation of the left fifth finger.

The veteran is granted special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his disabilities, but denied housebound status.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for severance of service connection for dysthymia secondary to service-connected lumbar strain, and entitlement to an increased rating for his low back disability with neuropathy of the left sciatic nerve. The total disability rating claim was also denied.

The Board has ordered additional medical examinations and requested that the appellant undergo VA orthopedic and neurological examinations to determine if she has a back disorder or headache disorder, and whether these conditions are related to her military service. The claim is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 10% assigned since the effective date of service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 and granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for right shoulder compression syndrome.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, finding that there was no competent evidence of these conditions or a link to service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder, while disabling, does not render him unemployable due to his other non-service connected conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right ankle, left ankle, and low back disorders were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.