Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbosacral musculoligamentous strain from July 26, 2007 through November 11, 2010 was denied. A 20 percent evaluation for the same condition from November 12, 2010 through July 24, 2022 was granted. Similar decisions were made for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disorder because the VA examination was inadequate. The Veteran's low back pain has caused functional impairment, but the examiner did not consider this in their opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board reinstated the 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of right lower extremity. It also granted a 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and effective dates of June 27, 2018, for TDIU and DEA.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus/elevated A1C and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The claims for melanoma, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and right shoulder disorder were remanded.

The VA denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss but remanded decisions on sleep apnea, toes, right middle fingers, right shoulder condition, anxiety, headache, foot pain, and low back pain.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and headache disability were dismissed. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left shoulder disability were remanded for further action.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and headache disability were dismissed. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left shoulder disability were remanded for further action.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease with strain of the lumbosacral spine was granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent and special monthly compensation were denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It also denied earlier effective dates and higher evaluations for several other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for neck, left arm, left hip, right hip, and right ankle disabilities. It remanded decisions on the left knee, right knee, right upper extremity cubital tunnel syndrome, left ankle tendonitis, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical degenerative disc disease, right rotator cuff tendonitis, and left knee strain and degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied an effective date prior to May 27, 2021, for a 30 percent rating for the veteran's cervical spine condition. The veteran will receive the 30 percent rating starting from May 27, 2021.

The veteran was granted initial ratings of 20% for lumbosacral strain and 10% for limitation of extension in both knees, but denied increased ratings for patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain missing service treatment records.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher ratings was denied, but a 70% rating for PTSD from September 26, 2021, to September 25, 2022, was granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for back disability was denied. However, the veteran was granted a 20% rating for right lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy from September 17, 2019, to present.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied. The claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), sleep disturbances, and lumbar spine injury residuals were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability is being sent back to the VA for further review. The Board needs more information from a medical examination.