Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for a back disability to ensure that due process is followed and there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim.

The veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision was made, and therefore all issues were dismissed.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain based on the evidence showing limitation of forward flexion to 70 degrees and combined range of motion of 185 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board remands the claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability to obtain an adequate examination and opinion, as the previous VA opinions were found inadequate.

The Board remands the claim for additional past-due benefits due to a pre-decisional violation of VA's duty to assist.

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease and left shoulder impingement syndrome, granted a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy with involvement of the sciatic nerve, and denied a compensable rating for left shoulder arthroscopic repair scars.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, as no new and material evidence was received prior to April 27, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for a left wrist condition, left shoulder condition, and fibromyalgia. The claims for thoracolumbar spine condition, acquired psychiatric condition, right wrist condition, right shoulder condition, and left ankle condition were remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Board granted a 40 percent increased disability evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of both sciatic nerves and a 50 percent increased disability evaluation for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, facet arthrosis L3-L4 through L5-S1, and neural foraminal stenosis, effective May 27, 2019.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor. The claim for a low back disability was remanded for further development.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.

The veteran withdrew her appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review the claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for both a left wrist disability and low back disability, finding no current disabilities or evidence of functional loss.

The Board granted service connection for chronic sinusitis and denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for lumbosacral strain, tinnitus, asthma, rhinitis, and a compensable disability rating for rhinitis.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, lumbosacral spine disability, sleep apnea, pulmonary disease, esophageal issues, ulcers, intestinal problems, thyroid disorders, vertigo, headaches, TDIU, and special monthly compensation were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for left knee, right knee, right ankle, left ankle, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities but denied service connection for a right shoulder disability. The Board also remanded the claims for tension headaches, kidney condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied an increased rating for chronic sinusitis and remanded claims for service connection for dermatitis, infertility, and a low back condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and various increased rating claims, as well as effective date claims, while remanding the claim for service connection for Hodgkin's disease.