The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran injured his low back during combat service with continuity of symptomatology since the injury. The diagnosis of lumbosacral strain secondary to Marie-Strumpell's (rheumatoid spondylitis) disease cannot be disassociated from the in-service injury and the x-ray findings of bony ankylosis of the dorsal spine during service.,The Board has also granted service connection for Raynaud’s syndrome as a residual of frostbite of the hands and feet, finding that reasonable doubt establishes that he manifested Raynaud’s syndrome as a residual of frostbite of the hands and feet.

The deciding factor: The Veteran injured his low back during combat service with continuity of symptomatology since the injury; the diagnosis of lumbosacral strain secondary to Marie-Strumpell's (rheumatoid spondylitis) disease cannot be disassociated from the in-service injury and the x-ray findings of bony ankylosis of the dorsal spine during service.,The Veteran incurred a cold injury in service with continuity of symptomatology since the injury; reasonable doubt establishes that he manifested Raynaud’s syndrome as a residual of frostbite of the hands and feet.

Claimed conditions

Thoracolumbar spine disability, Raynaud’s syndrome as a residual of frostbite of the hands and feet

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

Gulf War

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

August 26, 2019

Citation

19166047

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19166047.