Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's restless leg syndrome and back disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for back and left knee disabilities, stating that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for back disability was denied, but the claim for a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's neck, back, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The Board also denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, both secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board remanded all issues for further examination and consideration of evidence.

The veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70%. Other conditions were denied or remanded.

The veteran's service connection for a back disability and radiculopathy in the left lower extremity was granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for pseudofolliculitis barbae and rhinitis. Service connection was denied for several conditions, including neurological damage in both legs, IBS, GERD, cervical spine disability, migraines, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dry skin, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, low back pain with arthritis and instability, and sinusitis. The appeals for left ankle disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and HIV were remanded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted. A 50 percent rating for PTSD was also granted, but the issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent were not met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and chronic left ankle sprain were granted. The claims for service connection for a dental or oral condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and higher ratings for knee disabilities were denied.

The Board remanded the case to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate VA examination. The appellant will undergo a new VA examination to determine the severity of his lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine condition and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was granted due to new and relevant evidence.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits was granted, with the effective date set to December 23, 2013.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of left hip, right hip, and lower back disabilities due to inadequate examinations. The case will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, a respiratory condition, and IBS were denied. The claims for a low back disability and hypertension were remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a non-painful scar of the left hand was granted with an effective date of March 30, 2020. The veteran's claims for readjudication of bilateral hearing loss and other conditions were remanded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was granted. Claims for a right hand disorder and PTSD were denied. Other claims were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's left knee and low back conditions but remanded decisions on sleepwalking disability and acquired psychiatric disorder.