Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as her range of motion is consistent with moderate limitation of motion.

The Board denied service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease and denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The Board found that the cervical spine disorder did not manifest in service or as a result of his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's post-operative low back injury with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, effective from September 23, 2002.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the veteran's current lumbosacral strain is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, bilateral chondromalacia, right ankle disability, and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for dorsal and lumbar back problems, bilateral hearing loss, phlebitis of the lower extremities, residuals of right knee injury, urethral stricture, recurrent urinary tract infections or a kidney disorder, and skin cancer (secondary to cold exposure).

The veteran was granted a TDIU and DEA benefits effective March 18, 2000. The RO assigned an effective date of January 13, 2000 for the grant of these benefits.

The veteran's knee condition and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were evaluated, with the knee receiving a 10% rating and the lumbar spine receiving a separate 10% rating.

The Board has recharacterized the issue to include symptoms associated with a fall during basic training, including back disorder and bladder impairment. The case is REMANDED for VA examinations to determine the etiology of any current residuals from the in-service fall.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an orthopedic examination and obtaining treatment records.

The Board finds that there is no evidence of a relationship between the claimed HIV related illness, depression, hepatitis C, ulcers, lung condition, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine and service. The conditions are not shown in service or soon after service.,The Board also finds that there is no evidence of a relationship between HIV related illness and depression, hepatitis C, ulcers, lung condition, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's organic brain disorder, residuals of multiple rib fractures, and back disorder are not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. Therefore, his claims for these conditions have been denied.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding no medical evidence linking current symptoms to in-service complaints or conditions.

The Board denied claims for service connection and secondary service connection for various conditions, including a right hand disability, low back disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and sebaceous cyst of the neck. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure. The veteran's current respiratory disorders are not linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right leg injury resulting in a calcified subperiosteal hematoma to the middle third of the right femur do not warrant an increased disability rating. The veteran also does not have a currently diagnosed left knee disorder or low back disorder, and any current degenerative disc disease is proximately due to his service-connected right leg disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, back, wrist, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is not related to his military service and has been denied.