Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the issues of increased ratings for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine spondylosis for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, reopened the claims for lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities, and granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with TBI.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a left arm disorder as there was no evidence showing that these conditions manifested in service or within one year thereafter, nor any evidence linking them to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was denied a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to June 9, 2023, and from February 20, 2024, but granted a 40 percent rating from June 9, 2023, to February 19, 2024.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the 70 percent rating for bipolar disorder, TDIU, and SMC as well as service connection for a respiratory condition, headaches, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction, and right and left hip condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by the Veteran's military service.

The Board grants service connection for GERD with hiatal hernia, as the evidence shows that it manifested during service and is related to service. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and tinnitus. The OSA claim was remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The appeal seeking service connection for various conditions was dismissed due to a procedural defect in the docketing of the appeal.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including OSA and hypertension, due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board granted service connection for a back condition and migraines, but denied increased ratings for left and right patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for various claimed conditions, including a back disorder, stomach disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and pain in the knees, feet, and shoulders, as there was no evidence of current disabilities or etiological relationships to service.

The Board granted service connection for tension headaches, left testicular pain, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The reduction in rating for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder from 70 percent to 50 percent was improper; a 70 percent disability rating is restored.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis from July 9, 2015 forward.

The Board granted service connection and ratings for various disabilities, including a psychiatric condition, bilateral foot conditions, bladder issues, neurological issues in the lower extremities, TDIU, and special monthly compensation.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back strain is related to his military service, as it worsened during service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for low back pain, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff, right bicep tendonitis, left bicep tendonitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and Meniere's Syndrome (vertigo) to address duty-to-assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for schizophrenia and denied service connection for a lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity claudication, and a gastrointestinal ulcer.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues, including a right foot condition, right knee condition, migraine, and thoracolumbar sprain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation benefits, as well as an earlier effective date for a disability rating.