Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 5, 2023, and a rating in excess of 40 percent on and after May 5, 2023, for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis due to the need for a more thorough medical examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings.

The case is remanded for a DRO hearing and further development of the claims.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence was at least in relative equipoise and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The other claims were remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for an increase in disability evaluation and a separate evaluation for lumbar radiculopathy due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment from May 7, 2007 through October 7, 2013.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the claims for left carpal tunnel syndrome/median nerve neuropathy (CTS) and right upper extremity neuropathy, including CTS and/or cubital tunnel syndrome/ulnar nerve neuropathy (CBTS).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a back disability, and a fatigue disorder as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions and no evidence linking them to his active service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, sleep disability, and back condition due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and a new opinion from an examiner with appropriate expertise.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 18, 2024, and in excess of 40 percent therefrom for service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board is remanding the case to request clarification from the Veteran regarding his employment status at Amazon in March 2020, as it may impact the determination of a TDIU prior to June 2020.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and lumbar strain, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to the Veteran's active duty service.

The appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (other than posttraumatic stress disorder) and bursitis and lumbar strain has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board denied an increased rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis based on the evidence of record.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability prior to July 30, 2020, due to an inadequate VA examination and failure to provide adequate reasons or bases for its decision.

The Board remands the matter for further proceedings consistent with a joint motion to remand, as it failed to address an explicitly raised issue of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The appeals for service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, and lumbosacral strain have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them.

The appeal for service connection for various conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including back cancer - tumor, bladder cancer, Bowen's disease, also claimed as carcinoma and skin condition, gastroenteritis, broken spine disc, also claimed as back pain and thoracic fracture (claimed as low back disorder), high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, also claimed as thyroid condition, left hip condition, osteopenia/osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, also claimed as stomach ulcers, right foot vascular disorder, and sinusitis for further development.