Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2006

The VA determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease (DDD) at C3-6 with paresthesias of the left arm does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 60 percent.

The veteran is seeking service connection for coronary artery disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claim for loss of vision of the left eye, claimed as secondary to back disability, is dismissed due to lack of an adequate substantive appeal.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has a post-graduate degree and previous work experience as a dentist.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The right ankle issue is remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the cause of death was an overdose of medications, combined with illegal substances. The service-connected disabilities did not contribute to the veteran's death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities and determine whether she meets the criteria for increased ratings or service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claim for a low back disorder. The Board also found that he did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and left knee conditions have been granted, with the initial rating of 20 percent assigned for each condition.

The Board denied an initial extra-schedular rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar disc disease with radicular symptoms and denied a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease with disc herniation of the cervical spine and lumbar spine have been aggravated by his service-connected bronchiectasis, warranting a rating of 60%.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches. However, the Board finds that the veteran does not have a current disability of migraine headaches or any other claimed conditions (hiatal hernia, dermatitis, major depressive disorder, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine) that are related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, as well as decreased left toe and knee extensor strength associated with these conditions, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records from SSA and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder with degenerative changes at L-5/S-1 and residuals of a right thumb injury including MP fracture, both determined to be related to service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, finding that his disability has been chiefly manifested by pain and no more than a moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain syndrome does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 40 percent due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for the veteran's back and shoulder disorders, concluding that any current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain, status post herniated disc L4-5 does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.