Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date for the 40 percent and 70 percent ratings of lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and PTSD with major depressive disorder and anxious distress, respectively.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The appeal was denied for left lower extremity radiculopathy/sciatica and remanded for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy/sciatica, left hip disability, right hip disability, and respiratory disability.

The Board granted service connection for cervical strain with spondylosis and neuroforaminal encroachment, left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. The Board also granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and 20 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and additional special monthly compensation, and remanded several service connection and increased rating claims.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and non-compensable ratings for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, thoracolumbar strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee strain, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve.

The Board remands the matter for a VA examination to determine whether any lumbar spine disorder is related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left knee disability as they were not related to the Veteran's active service. The claims for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and remanded the claims for a recurrent esophageal disability to include GERD and esophagitis, as well as a recurrent lumbosacral spine disability to include lumbar strain.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability based on medical evidence linking the back condition to the altered gait caused by the left knee.

The appeal for a higher initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was dismissed as it was improperly docketed under the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Board denied increased ratings for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain, granted a 10 percent rating for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy from February 20, 2019, to present, and granted TDIU from May 8, 2020, to March 17, 2021.

The appeal was granted for the severance of service connection for deviated nasal septum, which was found to be improper.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability and right knee limitation of flexion, as well as remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for a respiratory disorder, but remanded the claims for increased evaluation of menorrhagia, back disability, insomnia, and TBI with associated headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including knee pain, back pain, and anxiety disorder.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and his active-duty service.