Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board granted the restoration of a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's back condition, as the reduction was improper.

The Board denied a rating greater than 40 percent for the Veteran's back condition and remanded claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, diabetes mellitus, diverticulitis, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective February 7, 2023.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for dry eye syndrome with lagophthalmos and bilateral blepharitis, a higher rating for lumbosacral strain, and service connection for an acquired mental disorder manifested by anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a back disability and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as they were granted in full by the AOJ.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and pes planus as the evidence did not support the presence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition, specifically chronic lumbosacral degenerative arthritis, based on a continuity of symptomatology since active duty.

The Board denied service connection for multiple musculoskeletal conditions, including the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left and right ankles, hips, shoulders, and right knee.

The Board granted an effective date of October 25, 2021, for the award of a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board granted effective dates of August 13, 2019 for the assignment of a 50 percent rating for flat feet and an award of TDIU, as well as for establishing eligibility to Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spine degenerative disc disease prior to February 10, 2022, granted an effective date of October 15, 2020, for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and granted a 40 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for asthma, a thoracolumbar spine disorder, and a right shoulder disorder.

The appeal concerning the evaluation of bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) has been dismissed.

The appeal for service connection for headaches, lumbar spinal stenosis, and a chronic pain and weakness disability was dismissed due to a procedural defect.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and RLE radiculopathy due to duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her in-service insidious onset of neck pain.

The Board denied a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection, an initial compensable rating for a bilateral eye disorder, and other orthopedic conditions.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service, including his duties as an aircraft mechanic.

The appeal for increased ratings and proposed reductions of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, as well as the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, were dismissed due to the lack of a final decision on these issues.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left hip, right hip, low back, and right ankle conditions due to missing VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions.