Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his low back strain and left knee fracture residuals, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of left sacroiliitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the hips, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The appeals were also not granted as new and material evidence was not received to reopen his hepatitis or left ankle disability claims.

The veteran's low back injury with traumatic arthritis, L4-L5, is currently rated at 60 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disabilities of pulmonary tuberculosis (PT), minimal, bilateral; degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine; and hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with light cardiomegaly are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for maxillary and frontal sinusitis, and disc narrowing of the lumbar spine were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and low back disorders are being remanded to obtain additional medical records, verify Merchant Marine service, and schedule VA examinations.

The veteran has lost the use of his right hand and foot due to peripheral neuropathy, qualifying him for special monthly compensation. He is also eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment and specially adapted housing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, and right ankle disability. The evidence did not support a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including proper VCAA notice and a current examination to assess the veteran's low back disability. The veteran is also seeking service connection for chronic sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are related to his in-service back injury, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, and further action is required to assist in obtaining necessary information for substantiating the claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for verification of stressors related to PTSD and additional development of private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee and left hand disorders are also under consideration.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.,The veteran has a permanent loss of use of one hand (left), meeting criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The decision is final as the veteran did not appeal the November 2001 denial.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care and to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA examiner found the veteran had some impairment in short term memory and concentration, but not meeting criteria for a higher rating for PTSD. Service connection was denied for chronic sinus disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sleep disorder, chronic skin disorder (presumed due to Agent Orange exposure), and bilateral knee/arm disorders.