Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the issue of an increased evaluation for a back disability prior to April 25, 2023 due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure that the AOJ fulfills its duty to assist the appellant with the development of his claim.

The Board granted a higher initial 30 percent rating for allergic rhinosinusitis and denied or remanded the other issues.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar strain but granted separate 10 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, effective March 29, 2024. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent on and after February 4, 2015, for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or entitlement to SMC based on housebound status.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board remands all issues on appeal for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and ensuring compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the need for another VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected lumbar spine and PTSD disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for right and left-hand punji stick injury scar residuals, but denied service connection for a recurrent lumbar spine disability, to include lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and lumbar myositis, as well as for recurrent right and left leg injury residuals disabilities. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings and TDIU were remanded.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection and a new claim to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals remands the cases for an adequate medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board remands the claims for further evidentiary development and to ensure procedural due process.

The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine was dismissed due to the appellant's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS, right shoulder strain, and right knee conditions but granted a separate 20 percent rating for his right knee meniscal tear.

The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was dismissed due to an untimely Notice of Disagreement.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a left knee replacement and readjudicated the claim for a back disability, while denying increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, dismissing TDIU, and remanding claims for other disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis and vertebral fracture disability.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and uterine fibroids.