Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for various conditions as they were duplicative of other appeals.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, right shoulder impingement syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's untimely submission of a Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10182) for issues related to service connection for a low back disability and left knee disability, as well as a non-compensable rating for residuals of fracture to nose.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for IVDS and lumbosacral strain, but remanded the claims for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease with spinal fusion, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied service connection for left and right foot pain other than lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as joint pains other than knee strain, lumbosacral strain, lower extremity radiculopathy, and upper extremity ulnar radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, as the evidence did not show that it began during active service or was otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, major depressive disorder and anxiety (acquired psychiatric disability), and a back disability to obtain additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and hypertension, as there was no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of September 16, 1983 for the lumbar spine disability and related conditions, but denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities and a rating for radiculopathy.

The Board remands the claims for further development and evidence collection.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected low back strain and thoracolumbar spine multilevel osteoarthritis, granted new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim for service connection for a sinus condition, and remanded claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee conditions, and a sinus condition.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, right knee disability, back disability, HTN, and ED due to deficiencies in the evidence of record.

The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder and in excess of 20 percent for scoliosis, thoracic spine with lumbar curvature T12-L4 and low back pain due to outstanding SSA records.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for various conditions, finding that July 2, 2024 was the earliest possible date based on the proper filing of a claim.

The Board denied increased ratings for several conditions, granted a 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and an effective date of August 10, 2023, for the left elbow impairment of supination and pronation.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and eligibility to Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, both effective from January 19, 2012.

The Board denied service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for a low back disability and major depression, as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's active military service.