Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the Veteran's increased rating claim for his lumbar spine disability due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board dismissed the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar and cervical spine spondylolisthesis as moot because they had already been adjudicated.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a back condition due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as remanded certain issues.

The Board remands the claim for a lumbar spine disorder to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's condition.

The Board granted service connection for cervical degenerative arthritis, cervical radiculopathy of both upper extremities, thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, and lumbar radiculopathy of both lower extremities based on the evidence showing that these conditions began during and have continued since service.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding a nexus to the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lumbar disability and right knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board remands the claim for a low back disorder to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral cataracts with visual disturbance and bilateral pinguecula, as well as service connection for lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, and right shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board denied a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS and spinal stenosis but granted the reinstatement of a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic radiculopathy and right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic radiculopathy, effective May 3, 2025.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, neurological impairments of the upper extremities, and dismissed the TDIU claim as moot.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for pes planus, a bilateral great toe condition, hemorrhoids, and a low back condition to provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during active service.

The Board granted service connection for a back condition, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, low back disability, and associated nerve pain due to a pre-decisional error in failing to adequately address lay statements regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings and granted earlier effective dates for certain hip conditions, while restoring some disability ratings.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, a lower back disability, residuals of inguinal hernia repair, residuals of umbilical hernia repair, and sinusitis. Service connection was denied for an ulcer, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and acne.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral flat foot (pes planus), lumbosacral strain, and migraines. The claims for left eye ischemic optic neuropathy and disordered sleeping were remanded.