Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

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.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The issue is now reviewed on a de novo basis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are not well grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these disabilities to his period of active service.

The veteran's disabilities, when considered in combination, result in his inability to care for some of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from his spouse. The veteran is not shown to be substantial confined to his dwelling or immediate premises as a result of disabilities.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left knee disorder, right knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, or cervical spine disorder to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is related to his service, including complaints and treatment of back problems during service. As a result, service connection for a chronic low back disability is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and residuals of recurrent pneumonia to include a respiratory disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA denied an increased rating for the appellant's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the second cervical vertebra, currently rated at 10 percent. The primary manifestations are degenerative changes and arthritis in the cervical spine.

The Board found that the appellant's lumbar disc disease did not warrant a higher rating, and denied service connection for a cervical spine disability due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service or being related to his service-connected lumbar disc disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that there was no competent evidence linking his current disability to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, and his lumbar spine disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for residuals of tuberculosis of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence of active disease and noting that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease does not relate to his service-connected tuberculosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondrosis of the right knee, and entitlement to a compensable rating for mechanical low back pain.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the face, skin disorder including epidermal cysts and lipoma due to Agent Orange exposure, left shoulder disability, back disability secondary to service connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left knee and upper leg, arthritis secondary to service connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left knee and upper leg, and residuals of a left hand injury. The Board also denied an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left knee and upper leg.