Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The veteran's PTSD rating was denied for the period before October 9, 2023, and for a higher rating after that date. The claims for headaches and lumbosacral strain were remanded for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.

The appeal for service connection of a lower back condition was dismissed because the veteran did not file the required form within one year of the rating decision and good cause was not shown.

The appeals for higher ratings of thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine degenerative joint disease were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability. The Board needs more medical evidence to decide these claims.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The veteran will receive new evaluations.

The Board remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a back condition, foot condition, GERD, and hypertension. The Veteran will receive new medical examinations and opinions.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. All other claims are remanded for further review.

The veteran's claims for compensable ratings for bronchitis, sinusitis, and hearing loss were denied. Service connection was granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and asthma. All other issues were remanded.

The VA's reduction of the veteran's rating for degenerative disc disease from 20% to 10% was improper. The original 20% rating has been reinstated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, left foot heel spur, and residuals of multiple left ankle sprains has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's obesity was an intermediate step between these conditions and OSA.

The appeal for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is remanded. The Board needs more information to decide if this condition is related to a service-connected left thigh hematoma.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in an August 1962 rating decision. The veteran can refile with a properly pled CUE motion.

The Board denied service connection for hyperlipidemia, bilateral hip conditions, lumbar spine disability, reflux disease, and vascular lymphatics because the evidence did not show a current disability related to these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, so he is granted total disability due to individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine DDD was partially granted, with a 20 percent rating from October 22, 2020. Other claims, including those for cervical spine arthritis, PTSD, and reactive airway disease, were denied. Claims related to knee and foot disabilities, as well as TDIU and DEA benefits, were remanded.

The appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease with L5-S1 broad based disc protrusion, is remanded. The Board must ensure VA complies with its duty to assist by obtaining an adequate medical opinion.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis was remanded.

The veteran withdrew their appeals before a decision was made, so the Board dismissed the case.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not show a link between these conditions and the veteran's active service.