Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a higher evaluation for his thoracic spine disability were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine arthritis, or for a compensable evaluation prior to August 19, 1993, for chest wall symptoms associated with thoracic spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various back disorders, including upper back and lumbar spine myositis, lumbosacral sprain, and lumbosacral disc disease. The decision found that new evidence did not provide a basis to reopen the claim of service connection for upper back and lumbar spine myositis.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for various conditions, including an injury to the xiphoid with tenderness, a deviated nasal septum, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, decreased grip strength due to an injury to the right thumb, residuals of a skull injury, bilateral ankle/foot disabilities, and hepatitis. The claims are denied as not well grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders preexisted her entry into service and did not worsen during or because of her active duty. The low back disorder was also not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and found it well grounded. The RO will schedule a VA examination to determine if the current low back disability is related to service.

The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are denied as they are not well-grounded.

The Board denied higher evaluations for the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus of L5-S1 with posterior lumbar interbody fusion, osteotomy of the third metatarsal head of the right foot with painful callous, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The claim for excision residuals of plantar wart on the left foot was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic back disorder, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and congenital sacralization, finding that congenital defects are not diseases or injuries under VA law. The claim for the lumbar spine disorder is granted on a direct basis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability. The veteran's claim is considered on its merits, but no change in outcome was reached.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mechanical low back pain syndrome does not warrant a higher disability evaluation, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus, and flat feet. The claims for chondromalacia of the knees are also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well grounded and denied them. The appeal was remanded.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right foot or need for aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in this condition.

The Board denied service connection for back and stomach disorders, but granted a 10% evaluation for tender scars on the left lower leg as of May 1, 1997.

The Board has found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of low back muscle trauma have aggravated his nonservice-connected residuals associated with a 1985 laminectomy and fusion. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board's February 2000 decision denying service connection for the claimed conditions has been withdrawn, and thus the motion seeking review of that decision is dismissed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there is no competent medical evidence to support the contention that his current back condition was caused by an inservice injury.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease, status post meniscectomy with ACL deficiency. Service connection for a back disorder was also granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his low back disability and a temporary total rating based on required convalescence following surgical treatment in 1998.