Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a relationship between the veteran's bilateral knee disorder and military service, or with any service-connected disability. Similarly, there is no evidence of a relationship between the lumbar spine disorder and his military service. The claim for higher ratings for varicose veins prior to November 6, 2001, has also been denied.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling, his left leg muscle weakness at 10%, and his lumbar spine/left hip degeneration at 40%. The TDIU issue is moot due to the PTSD rating.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbar strain disability, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and neck disorders, finding that they are related to the veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident. The claim for an increased evaluation of left shoulder pain with limitation of motion is also granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a hiatal hernia and a back disorder, finding new and material evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's neck and back conditions were not incurred in service or due to his service-connected residuals of a fractured left pelvis, thus denying both claims.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected low back disability prior to October 25, 2000 and a higher initial rating from that date.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, finding that it is productive of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and demonstrable muscle spasm.

The Board denied service connection for an abnormal electronystagmogram and a low back disability, but granted service connection for chronic left patella bursitis with a noncompensable evaluation. The veteran does not have evidence of these conditions during his active military service.

The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he can dress, undress, feed himself, attend to his wants of nature, and protect himself from hazards without the need for another person.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the veteran's current spinal disorder did not have its onset during active service and was not linked to his military service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current back and cervical spine conditions to his service, including any injury sustained during active duty. The chronic residuals were determined not to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection of a back disorder, which was previously denied in January 1984.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, which was previously denied in June 1995.

The veteran is entitled to a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with dysthymic disorder, reflecting the severity of his psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite of the ears, fingers, and toes, a low back condition, hemorrhoids, and anemia. The claim for lupus erythematosus was granted with a rating increase to 100% effective from February 2, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, a back condition, bilateral hip and leg conditions as secondary to a back condition, residuals of cold weather trauma, left knee and left hand conditions. The appellant was not diagnosed with these conditions during service or due to exposure to environmental factors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a back disorder, and a fungal skin disorder due to the lack of competent medical evidence supporting these conditions. The veteran was found not to meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and there is no current evidence of a back or fungal skin disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of reopening his service connection for a low back disability due to lack of new and material evidence, as the additional evidence submitted did not show a medical nexus between any current low back disability and service.