Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral spine spondylosis and degenerative disc disease was granted based on new evidence showing it is secondary to a service-connected left foot condition.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, including allergic rhinitis, psychiatric disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and others, based on the Veteran's presence in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability and post-operative lumbar spine scar was denied. The veteran was granted a 40% rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) were remanded.

The Board remands the matters for new examinations to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of the Veteran's left knee and low back disorders, as well as the current severity of her right knee disability.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and the remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU were denied due to his failure to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause.

The Board granted service connection for lower lumbar spine facet arthropathy and denied service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied ratings in excess of the assigned percentages for the Veteran's back and sciatic/femoral radiculopathy disabilities, except for a 20% rating granted on and after November 8, 2017, for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and a 20% rating granted on and after November 8, 2016, for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy. The Board also granted TDIU and DEA benefits effective February 9, 2011.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of May 14, 2010, for the assignment of a 40 percent disability rating for lumbar myositis.

The Board granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a low back disability, effective from November 2010.

The Board remands the appeal for additional medical examinations to determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and their active service.

The Board granted initial ratings of 30 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent for dermatitis and tinea versicolor, lumbar spine disorder, and left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) respectively. The issues of service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis were remanded.

The Board remands the claim for a lumbar spine disorder to obtain additional evidence and an updated medical opinion.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent prior to October 31, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were remanded.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral spine spondylosis and lower extremity radiculopathy due to the need for a more current VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee conditions due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Specifically, an addendum opinion is required for both left and right knees to acknowledge and consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his knee issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 11, 2022, for a 40 percent rating increase for his lumbar spine disability. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing severe symptoms or limitations prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 30, 2023, because the combined disability rating did not meet the schedular threshold criteria and the service-connected disabilities did not preclude gainful employment.

The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2023 rating decision.