Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral lower peripheral neuropathy to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board remands the claim for a lumbar spine condition to the AOJ for additional development, including an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the low back condition.

The appeal for service connection for a low back condition was dismissed as the notice of disagreement was not filed within one year of the December 2020 rating decision.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lower back condition and a disability manifested by gastrointestinal symptoms, other than the service-connected hiatal hernia, as further development is necessary.

The Board remands the appeal for eligibility under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to correct an AOJ error in satisfying a regulatory and statutory duty, which has a reasonable possibility of aiding in substantiating the appellant's claim.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, status post fusion surgery and a compensable rating for a lumbar spine surgical scar to provide the Veteran an opportunity for VA examinations.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to obtain a more thorough VA examination.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right hand, bilateral foot, low back, right knee and right shoulder disorders due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including right knee, left knee, left arm and shoulder, degenerative disc disease with back pain, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease/heart disability, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal cord tumors, multi-level disc degeneration and facet arthritis of the lumbar spine, and left leg paralysis due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, PTSD with MDD and insomnia disorder, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, eczematous dermatitis of the wrists and feet, and DDD, L5-S1, with retrolisthesis. TDIU was granted as of September 22, 2015.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee condition, right knee condition, and low back condition. The initial disability rating for the left ankle sprain was denied, but SMC based on aid and attendance was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 13, 2007, for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board remands the appeal for a clarifying VA examination to address the Veteran's lumbar strain, specifically regarding flare-ups and medication effects.

The Board dismissed service connection for a thyroid condition and ovarian cancer, as these conditions were already granted in a previous rating decision. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of a lower back disability to obtain the Veteran's official military personnel file, which may provide evidence relevant to his claims.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a back disability to correct an error in providing notice of the appellant's right to a hearing.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, status post fusion surgery and a compensable rating for a lumbar spine surgical scar to provide the Veteran an opportunity for VA examinations.

The Board granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for low back pain based on new and relevant evidence, but remanded it for further examination.

The appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating. The Board also remanded several service connection claims.