Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with osteoarthritis was increased from a 20 percent rating to a 40 percent rating effective March 18, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain is attributable to service, but his left shoulder disorder (including arthritis) was not manifest during or within one year after service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for a left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board denied both claims for service connection, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors were not verified and there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD. The low back disorder claim was also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has dismissed the claims for an increased rating for athlete's foot and service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, L5-S1, to include as secondary to service-connected arthritis of the cervical spine. The Veteran withdrew his appeals with respect to these issues.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The other conditions are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including right shoulder, back, left hip, bilateral ankle, right foot and right knee disorders are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions. The claim for a right hip disorder remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disability, but denied it on the merits. The Veteran's low back disability is not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim as he is not considered a Veteran for his service in September 2004, and therefore cannot be granted VA benefits for any consequent right ankle disability or additional secondary injury to his low back.

The Veteran's low back strain, right hip bursitis, and left hip bursitis have been granted service connection.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been established.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issues of service connection for a bilateral shoulder and arm disability, a low back disability, and a right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the need for a thorough examination of his spine condition, as well as an assessment of his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her cervical spine disability was denied as there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, nor ankylosis. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a back disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and earlier effective dates for his service-connected low back disability is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current diagnosis of arthritic changes of the lumbar spine is related to an in-service vehicle rollover injury. The weight of evidence supports the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a peroneal laceration of the labia was granted. The Board also found that her back disability, reactive airway disease with bronchitis, and bilateral hand numbness are related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, concluding that the pre-existing low back disorder was not permanently aggravated by his second period of military service.

The Veteran's right hip and right knee disabilities are not service-connected.,However, his left hip and left knee disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Warren Memorial Hospital from February 8, 2006 to February 13, 2006 meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.