Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right knee meniscectomy, 60 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with disc bulge at L3-L4, or 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder. The veteran's claim for increased ratings for right ear hearing loss was also denied.

The veteran's low back disorder was initially rated at 10% prior to July 5, 1994. It has been increased to 20% effective from July 5, 1994.,Since March 17, 1998, the veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40%

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that a rating in excess of 20 percent was not warranted from September 8, 1998.

The veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to service-connected conditions affecting multiple joints, including the right hip and left hip. The special home adaptation grant claim is denied as it would be precluded by the benefits already awarded under section 2101(a).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, increased rating for PTSD, and arthritis of the low back and right hip. The decision concluded that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coccidioidomycosis of L2, residuals of a fracture of L2 with discogenic disease of the lumbosacral spine due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or his service-connected low back disability.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected left hip arthritis and arthritis as a residual of fracture of the left ankle. Service connection for this degree of aggravation is granted.

The veteran's case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video-conference hearing at the Seattle RO due to his failure to appear for an earlier scheduled Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's initial evaluations for postoperative dislocation left shoulder and left knee injury are granted at 10% and no higher, respectively. Service connection is established for the service-connected lumbar disc disease. The veteran's claims for additional disabilities are referred to the RO.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The RO must obtain VA orthopedic and neurologic evaluations, including range of motion testing and assessments of intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS), to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the veteran did not file a proper substantive appeal regarding his claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected spondyloarthropathy with involvement of the bilateral sacroiliac joints and lumbosacral spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ear hearing loss and a compensable evaluation for lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is a result of an injury sustained during her period of active duty for training in July 1991, and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left thorax and lumbar spine, affecting Muscle Groups XX and XXI, warrant a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine and low back disabilities, with a rating of 20 percent for each condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to insufficient examination findings. The case will be reviewed again after additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in October 1995, and she did not appeal the decision. In June 1997, she submitted copies of her service medical records to reopen her claim, but the RO did not prepare a rating decision as there was no jurisdiction due to the finality of the previous denial.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a right knee disability were granted, with an effective date of April 23, 1991.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disability is granted, with a current evaluation of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a back condition, leg disorder, GI disorder or dental condition for the purpose of obtaining VA outpatient dental treatment.