Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to new evidence submitted after the July 2007 Travel Board hearing. An examination is needed to determine the etiology of his back disorder, verify a stressor event related to PTSD, and obtain an audiological evaluation.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The claim is now reopened.

The Board found that the veteran's postoperative residuals of a lumbar discectomy with chronic strain and degenerative changes were not incurred in or aggravated by service, arthritis was not manifest within the first post-service year, and a chronic back disorder was not incurred as a result of any established event, injury, or disease during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, neck disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The veteran's current disabilities are found to be causally related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and left lower extremity deficits, including foot drop. The decision found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim for a back disorder, while acknowledging the existence of a pre-existing condition for the left ankle disability.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is manifested by complaints of pain and moderately severe limitation of movement, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Prior to February 8, 2007, the veteran's cervical spine disability more closely resembles moderate intervertebral disc disease with recurring attacks. As of February 8, 2007, it does not resemble severe intervertebral disc syndrome or severe limitation of motion and is rated at 20 percent.,The veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to February 8, 2007 more closely resembles moderate intervertebral disc disease with recurring attacks. As of February 8, 2007, it does not resemble severe lumbosacral strain or severe intervertebral disc syndrome and is rated at 40 percent.,The veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 does not reach the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's right leg radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 does not reach the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's left leg radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's left leg radiculopathy from April 28, 2003 to present is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. It does not reach the level of moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral and left knee disorders, finding that the veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for acne and lumbar strain. The claim for a neck disability is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left knee and lumbar spine disorders have not been met.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and requesting an updated medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and the claim for residuals of a disease with fever and swelling of the glands. The evidence submitted since the last denial was considered, but it did not provide new or material information to reopen either claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an increased evaluation for PTSD. The VA found that there was no evidence linking the current back condition to service, and the PTSD rating of 50 percent is considered appropriate based on the symptoms reported.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of gout in service records and concluded that the veteran's current diagnosis of gout is not related to his military service. The veteran was also determined not to be housebound or in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claims of service connection for a skin disability and back disability remain denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen them.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, concluding that there was no evidence to support an in-service injury or disease and thus no nexus between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right shoulder disability and degenerative joint disease in the lumbar and thoracic spine are not due to a disease or injury incurred during active duty for training.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a chronic skin condition, including as an undiagnosed illness manifested by involvement of the skin due to environmental hazards from the Gulf War. The veteran's claim was not supported by current medical evidence of a chronic skin condition or an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.