Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for GERD and service connection for lower lumbar strain were denied. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded.

The appeal is remanded for further examination to determine the nature and cause of the veteran's lumbar spine herniated disc and right lower extremity neurological impairment.

The veteran's claim for a right ankle disorder was dismissed because it was already granted. The veteran's claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted. Claims for left shoulder disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and headaches were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's appeals for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for a lumbar post/surgical scar were dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeals.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an initial disability rating greater than 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and spondylosis. The decision was based on a lack of evidence showing the required level of spinal limitation or ankylosis.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spondylosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and lower back condition were denied. The claims for psychiatric disorder, MVT, rhinitis, and sleep apnea were remanded.

The veteran withdrew all claims for higher disability ratings, and the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, both directly and as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The Board found that the VA did not adequately assist the veteran in obtaining necessary medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The claims for back disability and bilateral hip disabilities were remanded.

Service connection for the veteran's back disability was granted. Other issues related to right hand, right shoulder, right wrist, and right ankle disabilities were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's rating for thoracic levoscoliosis was restored to 40%, but other claims were denied.

The veteran's service connection for several conditions, including lower back, knee, shoulder, neck, and asthma, was granted. However, service connection for sinusitis and bronchitis was denied.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal, finding that the severance of service connection for his back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was improper.

The Board remanded the case to correct errors in the VA examination and to obtain a complete evaluation of the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's motion for revision based on clear and unmistakable error was dismissed without prejudice to refiling. The Veteran did not specify the decision being appealed or identify a clear error.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease status post L5-S1 fusion, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity with atrophy.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. Other conditions, including left knee, right knee, heart condition, sleep apnea, and back disability, were remanded.

The veteran was granted a 10% rating for lumbar strain and for right and left ankle disabilities since October 24, 2019. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted at 20% from December 10, 2020.