Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

Service connection for asthma and COPD is granted. Other issues, including headaches, knee disability, muscle pain/tendinitis, erectile dysfunction, and lumbar disability, are remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed claims for asthma, kidney cancer, chest pains, and rhinitis due to lack of adjudication. Claims for cervical DDD, shoulder strains, hip conditions, and foot conditions were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of new and relevant evidence. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for erectile dysfunction, right wrist surgery, right wrist surgical scar, and right knee osteoarthritis were also denied. However, the reduction in the disability rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was restored to 20 percent.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for left lumbar radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board found that the VA medical opinions were inadequate and required further review.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating was denied, but the issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from April 11, 2011, and TDIU from November 24, 2011, while dismissing claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc and joint disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 10, 2009, through March 19, 2014, and an effective date of April 10, 2009, for the award of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to inadequate medical examinations. The veteran will undergo new evaluations considering medication effects.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions and a higher rating for the left ankle disability.

The Board remanded the case to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right leg, right hip, and back conditions, including right leg length discrepancy. The Board found that the VA has met its duty to assist the Veteran in obtaining necessary records.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis due to an unclear remand directive from the Court.

The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, but no higher. It also granted an initial rating of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability), but no higher.

The case is remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and right big toe fracture have been remanded. The Board will consider new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for right hip and left hip conditions is granted. The back condition was initially denied but then granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability was granted, but the claims for left and right hip disabilities were denied.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent as to neck pain, and the Board found the medical opinions inadequate.

The veteran's PTSD alone renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The veteran is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status.

The veteran is granted an initial rating of 50 percent for migraines. The claim for total disability due to service-connected migraines is remanded.