Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating and DEA based on permanent total disability status, as it was not factually ascertainable that her L3-4 degenerative disc disease exhibited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, or favorable or unfavorable ankylosis prior to August 19, 2021.

The Board denied the claims for a compensable rating and an increased rating for scars, and remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, and for service connection for a right hip condition.

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

The appeal for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's low back disability and whether it manifests the functional equivalent of ankylosis.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, and right elbow disorders as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, continuity of symptomatology, or a nexus to military service.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and a TDIU due to an inadequate statement of reasons and bases in its previous decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The appeal for service connection and higher rating was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain based on the current level of impairment and medical evidence.

The Board remands the claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability to correct a duty to assist error.

The Board remands the claim for a low back disorder to obtain an addendum VA opinion that addresses the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, back, and acquired psychiatric disabilities but remanded the claim for migraine headaches.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for back condition, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea (secondary to psychiatric disorder), and migraines/headaches due to a need for additional evidence.

The appeal for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, Raynaud's disease, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities has been withdrawn and dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, painful scar status post left IHR, and left knee strain.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left hip strain, lower left extremity radiculopathy, and lumbosacral strain, lumbago, and multilevel degenerative spondylosis as further development is needed.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine condition due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation, as well as a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's right knee surgical scar is granted a rating of 10 percent, while the claims for an earlier effective date and service connection for a right leg length discrepancy are denied. Other claims have been remanded.