Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the matters for additional development, including obtaining any outstanding private or VA treatment records and readjudicating the claims based on all evidence of record.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability from December 20, 2012, to June 8, 2023, as the evidence did not show forward flexion to 30 degrees or less or ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome in both knees.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar, cervical, left hip, and right hip disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic conditions.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a back disability to ensure that VA complies with its duty to assist by obtaining an adequate medical opinion.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication, including obtaining a new VA medical opinion to address the Veteran's lumbar spine disability during flare-ups and its impact on daily activities and employability.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board remands the claims for further development consistent with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back strain and a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve after April 26, 2024. However, it granted a 20 percent rating for the left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve prior to that date and remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Board remands the case for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine condition and separate ratings for left knee instability, but denied other claims including increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates.

The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that VA has met its duty to assist in the development of the claims.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, while remanding the claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Board remands the issues for further development and issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spondylosis from June 2, 2014, finding that the functional impairment did not more nearly approximate unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a neck condition, right knee condition, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and ankle disabilities, as there was no evidence linking them to the Veteran's active-duty service. The claim for balanitis xerotica obliterans is remanded.

The Board remands the claims for a right shoulder disorder and lumbar strain to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective January 14, 2018, but denied increased ratings for the lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

All appeals listed were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.