Sleep apnea decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a restoration of a 20 percent rating as his symptoms have improved and do not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to ensure that all necessary development has been completed, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain warrants a 40 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5293 for severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The veteran's unauthorized medical services provided during his hospitalization at Spartenburg Regional Medical Center were not for a service-connected disability, and thus the claim is denied.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a thorough VA examination and additional development.

The veteran's service connection claims for a skin disorder, other than idiopathic hand and foot dermatitis, are denied. Service connection is granted for idiopathic hand and foot dermatitis.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's lumbosacral strain, effective from the date of claim, July 22, 1998. The current limitation of motion is considered moderate.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection due to the character of his discharge from March 7, 1987 to November 30, 1994.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of well-groundedness, and also denied her service connection claim.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease was denied as there is no evidence of a well-grounded claim prior to March 1997.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and readjudication, including consideration of specific provisions related to vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as other issues.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for chronic lumbosacral strain and found service connection for thoracic spine disorder. Service connection for cervical spine disorder was denied.

The RO denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected low back disorder, stating that there was no indication of a relationship between the current lumbar spine condition and the service-connected acute sacroiliac sprain condition.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Board determined that the veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral spine arthritis was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective October 1, 2000. The reduction was based on the opinion of a VA examiner who concluded that most of the veteran's symptoms were due to underlying conditions unrelated to service.

The veteran's nonservice-connected lumbosacral strain and mild degenerative disc disease do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes, as they are not severe enough to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension beyond the basic period of eligibility for a program of vocational rehabilitation training due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria for a serious employment handicap.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, and left knee degenerative changes based on the opinion of a VA physician who reviewed the claims folder and remaining service medical records.