Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. The claims for secondary service connection for bladder incontinence and cervical spine degenerative disc disease were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder pain/arthritis, left shoulder pain/arthritis, and a low back disorder as new and relevant evidence was not received. The claim for erectile dysfunction was remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for low back disabilities, including arthritis, and right and left leg radiculopathy as secondary to the service-connected low back disabilities.

The Board denied benefits for spina bifida and other covered birth defects as the appellant's mother is not a Vietnam Veteran, and she does not meet the criteria for spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, finding that the Veteran's back condition is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and ratings, granted a 30 percent rating for dizziness, and remanded several claims.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed as thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with spondylosis and radiculopathy. The right knee and left knee issues were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, status post fusion surgery and a compensable rating for a lumbar spine surgical scar to provide the Veteran an opportunity for VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, bilateral shin splints, and bilateral knee disorders. The claims for the thoracolumbar spine disorder and psychiatric disorder were remanded.

The Board denied a disability rating higher than 10 percent for cervical strain and remanded claims for migraine headaches and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, as well as for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including eye disability, foot pain, stomach disability, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and non-compensable ratings for post traumatic headaches, right lower extremity scars, tympanic membrane perforation, right knee tendinopathy, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee, back, right hip, right elbow, and neck disabilities due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for new medical examinations and nexus opinions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disorder, right knee disorder, right and left shoulder disorders, lower back disorder, right and left ankle disorders, acquired mental disorder, to include anxiety and insomnia, and erectile dysfunction due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability to correct a duty to assist error.

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.

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

The Board denied an increased rating above 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine condition to correct an AOJ pre-decisional error in not obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for the left great toe disability but granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.