Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for both a back disability and a psychiatric disability, finding no clear and unmistakable error in prior rating decisions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar strain myositis and left shoulder DJD, stating that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions but remanded decisions on bilateral primary open angle glaucoma and vitreous degeneration due to participation in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) and an anxiety disorder.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease and PTSD due to duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disability was remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various back and neck conditions were denied. The claim for hypertension associated with herbicide exposure was remanded.

The veteran withdrew their appeal for all claimed conditions, so the Board dismissed the case.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine disability and restoration of a 10 percent rating for left hip limitation of extension. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities, radiculopathy, and other conditions were remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, back disorder, right and left knee disorders, right and left shoulder disorders, right leg disorder other than a right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, allergic rhinitis, asthma, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were granted and remanded. The claims for right and left wrist disorders were dismissed.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, citing incomplete records and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left shoulder, skin, hemorrhoids, and sleep apnea disabilities. The claim for tinnitus was remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of back and bilateral shoulder disorders due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's left knee disability, migraine headaches, and thoracolumbar spine disability. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The veteran's increased rating for lumbosacral strain from October 1, 2018 to October 13, 2021 is granted at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating and service connection for right ankle disorder are remanded.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and scrotal pain is denied. Other issues are remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a back disability was dismissed. The veteran was granted a 20% rating for the back disability starting from July 2, 2020, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). All other claims were denied.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder to obtain additional medical evidence. The Veteran's contention is that his current degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine is due to an in-service injury.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. All other claims are denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and earlier effective dates for several service-connected conditions.

The appeal was dismissed because the veteran withdrew it after being granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.