Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The veteran's claim for service connection of chronic lumbar strain is remanded. The Board found new and relevant evidence warranting readjudication.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine, cervical spine, left shoulder, and head injury disabilities due to VA's failure to notify the veteran of scheduled examinations.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions on ankylosis.

The appeal for service connection of vertigo and an increased rating for a low-back condition was dismissed because the veteran opted out of the legacy system into the AMA system.

The Board remanded all issues to the VA for further development, including additional medical examinations and opinions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, back disability, and sciatica were denied. However, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death was granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to June 8, 2019, so a TDIU is granted.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for right total hip joint replacement from June 12, 2024, and separate ratings for right knee instability (10 percent) and left knee instability (20 percent). All other claims were denied.

The veteran's request for a rating higher than 70% for PTSD with opioid use disorder and TBI residuals was denied. However, the veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of lower lumbar disability, upper respiratory disability, and hearing loss. The Board needs more medical records to decide.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine condition, including lumbar strain, paraspinal muscle fatigue, and left back muscle hypertrophy. The Veteran's current condition is related to a slip and fall on ice during service.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of cervical spine degenerative disc disease and total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The Board found that additional medical examinations and clarification of employment status are needed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a back disability was remanded due to inadequate medical examination and opinion. The Board needs more information to determine the severity of the condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, and residuals of brain injury, were reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for cervical spine condition, thoracolumbar spine condition, headaches, anemia, and erectile dysfunction. Special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a creative organ was also granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for low back disability was denied, but the claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's low back disability, finding that the evidence does not show the condition began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip degeneration, right hip degeneration, low back condition, and right knee condition. The Board found insufficient evidence to grant or deny these claims at this point.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple disabilities, including shoulder, lumbar spine, hip, and knee issues. The VA examinations were deemed inadequate due to inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

The veteran's earlier effective date for the 20 percent disability evaluation for both left and right lower extremity femoral nerve disabilities was granted. The claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for low back disability was remanded.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal after receiving increased ratings.