Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, effective February 14, 2020. The decision also granted service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy, as well as TDIU.

The Board remands the claims for lumbar spine condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and insomnia to provide VA examinations.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during its pendency.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for service-connected hypertension and denied service connection for sleep apnea, while remanding several other claims including those for various disabilities related to the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, knees, gastrointestinal system, heart, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and hearing loss.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as service treatment records from the Veteran's period of reserve service have not been obtained.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation from May 5, 2019.

The claims for service connection are remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the July 2020 rating decision on appeal.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and a 30 percent rating for sinusitis effective from July 29, 2021. The claims for increased ratings prior to that date were denied.

The Board denied service connection for left and right shoulder pain and dysfunction, as well as increased ratings for low back, left knee, and right knee pain and dysfunction based on the evidence of record.

The Board granted an initial 30 percent disability rating for tension headaches and a 40 percent disability rating from October 21, 2021 for the lumbar spine disability. The lumbar spine disability ratings prior to that date were denied.

The Board remands the matter for development before proceeding to adjudication, including associating VA and VA-authorized treatment records with the claims file and obtaining a new medical opinion as to the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back condition.

The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was dismissed, and the claim for degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine was granted.

The Board denied service connection for a dental disorder and bilateral ear disorder, while remanding claims for service connection for low back, neck, right finger, left shoulder, and right shoulder disorders.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient information regarding the baseline severity of his conditions when discounting the beneficial effects of medication.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral hand disorders to obtain adequate medical opinions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and TDIU, granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and granted 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain from September 1, 1995, and a 40 percent rating from January 10, 2024. The Veteran's residuals of excision of the left femoral nerve were rated at 20 percent, but hemorrhoids were denied a compensable rating.

The Board remands the claims for a back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as they require further evidentiary development.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection of degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder to ensure compliance with its previous remand instructions, including obtaining a medical examination and an addendum opinion.