Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine and PTSD were dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board remands the claim for a low back disability to obtain an adequate VA opinion regarding its etiology and whether it is related to service.

The Board granted eligibility for the direct payment of fees to the appellant from past due benefits awarded in the portion of a July 2023 rating decision granting higher ratings for epilepsy and migraine headaches, but denied it for lumbar strain and cognitive disorder.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's forward flexion remains greater than 60 degrees and his combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine continues to exceed 120 degrees, even with repeated use over time.

The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral hearing loss were reopened but denied. The claims for service connection for headaches to include as secondary to tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD are remanded.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, but denied increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndromes, tinnitus, and other knee conditions. The claim for service connection for fecal incontinence was remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left knee disability and low back disability to correct a duty to assist error, requiring VA examinations.

The appeal for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than IVDS, spinal fusion, and spinal stenosis, and for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis has been withdrawn and dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's lower back pain, while remanding the claim for migraines.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date of benefits for various service-connected conditions, finding that the proper effective date was June 22, 2023.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from June 18, 2019 to October 7, 2022 due to his service-connected conditions requiring regular assistance.

The Board denied the restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for a post-operative bilateral inguinal hernia and granted a 10 percent rating for migraine headaches, while denying increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of a low back condition due to an inadequate VA medical opinion that failed to consider the Veteran's in-service injury report.

The appeal for direct review of the issues of entitlement to service connection for a neck condition, back condition, and an earlier effective date and increased initial evaluation for PTSD is dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for a back disorder based on new and relevant evidence that was submitted after the October 2016 rating decision.

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 granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with IVDS and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of service connection for bilateral tinnitus was remanded.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but no higher.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as service connection for right knee, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities, all secondary to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.