Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a rating of 70 percent, and TDIU was also granted.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, neck disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating for his cervical degenerative disc disease status post cervical fusion, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The Board denied service connection for rotator cuff tendonitis, left shoulder; lumbar spine condition; and bilateral hand condition as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are related to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date than June 12, 2019.

The Board granted an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and restored a 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability.

The appeal for increased rating evaluations and effective dates was dismissed due to a procedural defect in the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) that was not signed by the Veteran or his authorized representative within the required timeframe.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to render him unable to physically care for himself, thereby granting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including tinnitus, headaches, and various musculoskeletal issues, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to an injury or disease incurred during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine and granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher, for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date prior to the specified dates.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the AOJ's failure to obtain complete military records and provide VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, lower back disability, and tinnitus.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis and depressive disorder, but denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right leg shin splints, left leg shin splints, a higher rating for the right knee, and other conditions. The decision was based on the evidence of record.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine condition and left knee condition, while denying service connection for costochondritis, dizziness, right foot condition, sleep apnea, a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis with calcific tendinopathy, supraspinatus tendon status-post acromioplasty/distal clavicle excision, and a compensable rating for scar of right shoulder. The initial rating for PTSD was denied.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for PTSD, readjudicated the claim for a neck disability, and denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. The claim for chronic kidney disease and kidney stones was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and associated lumbar radiculopathy, left lower extremity (LLE), on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected neck disability.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for an increased rating and service connection due to duty-to-assist errors, including outstanding treatment records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board remands the claims for additional development consistent with the terms of a Joint Motion for Partial Remand, as the medical opinions obtained were not fully adequate and there has not been substantial compliance with the Board's remand directives.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and evaluation in excess of certain ratings for various service-connected conditions, as well as a claim for TDIU, due to the need for updated medical information.