Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, both directly and as secondary to a lumbar disorder. The Veteran's sleep apnea was not shown in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a neck disability as secondary to lumbosacral strain with IVDS. The Veteran will have another opportunity to attend a VA examination.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a back condition because the Veteran was not given a VA examination and there are outstanding medical records to be obtained.

The appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine disability was dismissed because the Veteran did not properly appeal a final decision from December 1998 and an August 2022 document labeled as a rating decision was found to be invalid.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine were granted. The claim for left shoulder degenerative arthritis was denied. The claims for right and left hip osteoarthritis as secondary conditions were remanded.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and lumbosacral strain due to inadequate examinations and lack of corroboration for toxic exposures.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for several disability evaluations and DEA eligibility.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for knee conditions were denied, but the claim for service connection for a back disability was remanded.

The veteran's appeal for service connection of lumbosacral strain as secondary to shoulder impairments was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as related radiculopathy conditions. The veteran will undergo a VA examination to determine the cause of these disabilities.

The veteran's right knee disability is service-connected due to his lumbar spine disability. The Board granted the claim.

The Board remanded all issues to the AOJ for further development and opinions, including VA examinations.

The veteran was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and allergic rhinitis. Other conditions were denied or remanded.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because they requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of low back and right shoulder disabilities due to errors in the duty to assist. The case will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain was denied. The appeal for service connection for hypertension was dismissed.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disorder and right knee disorder. The case was sent back to the agency for further review.

The veteran was granted a 40% rating for three service-connected conditions effective October 1, 2015. The claim for total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied, and the claim for residuals of service-connected scars was remanded.

The veteran's service connection for a low back disorder, including degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, is granted. The decision is based on the presumption of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board remanded all issues to the Regional Office for further evaluation and examination.