Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbar strain and service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for readjudication due to new and relevant evidence but denied the claims for increased ratings.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. All other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection of migraine headaches, lumbosacral strain, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve due to procedural errors. The veteran did not follow the correct procedures to reopen these claims.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw it.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine conditions due to errors in the duty to assist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition is denied. The claim for service connection for a back condition, including on an aggravation basis, is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions but remanded the issues of disability ratings for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because they withdrew their claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle condition and hypertension was denied. The claim for a higher disability rating for back condition, lung condition with shortness of breath, and tinnitus was also denied. However, the Veteran's claim for restoration of a 30 percent disability rating for lung condition with shortness of breath was granted effective October 3, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the Board granted a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board remanded all issues to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction for further development of evidence, including medical examinations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions were dismissed or denied. The veteran failed to appear for scheduled examinations, which led to the denial of increased ratings for lumbar strain and right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for left lower extremity neuralgia and sleep disturbances but remanded decisions on low back condition, right lower extremity neuralgia, and acquired psychiatric condition.

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

The appeal for service connection of low back disability is remanded. The Board needs more information, including missing service treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Board remanded all issues to correct a duty to assist error. The Veteran will receive VA examinations for his claimed conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea has been granted. The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise, meaning it was nearly equal, and thus the veteran is entitled to the benefit of the doubt.

The Board granted service connection for GERD, finding it secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain and left heel spur conditions due to chronic NSAID use.