Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The appeal is granted for readjudication of claims due to new and relevant evidence. Some issues are remanded for further development.

The veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The claim for an increased rating for a surgical scar was denied, as was the claim for service connection for bilateral hydroceles and varicoceles with left epididymal cyst due to lack of new evidence.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and a lumbar spine disorder. The veteran served on a diesel submarine and was exposed to solvents, fuels, other chemicals, and water off the shore of Vietnam.

The appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine disability has been remanded. The Board requires additional medical examination to determine the nature and cause of the condition.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for radiculopathy and TDIU were granted, but the claim for an increased evaluation of low back disability was denied.

The appeal for service connection for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) was dismissed. The reduction of the disability rating for left shin splints from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective January 27, 2022, was proper; the claim is denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for various conditions was denied. An initial 10 percent rating for chronic sinusitis was granted.

The appeal for an increased rating for a right shoulder scar was dismissed due to procedural errors. Service connection for a back disability was denied because the evidence did not show a relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine strain because the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of September 16, 2021, for a disability rating of 40 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and IVDS.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus was denied. The claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, back disability, right knee disability, and shin splints were remanded.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for left shoulder scars were denied. The claims for higher ratings for lumbar IVDS, left shoulder limitation of motion, and left shoulder instability with repair and degenerative arthritis were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The evidence did not show that these conditions were related to the veteran's military service.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and sleep apnea. The Board will obtain new medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, low back, and right ankle disabilities were granted. The claim for a sleep disorder related to the low back disability was remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for mechanical low back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board needs to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA nerve examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a left clavicle fracture was denied. The claim for service connection for a back condition was dismissed because it was already granted. The claim for service connection for radiculopathy was remanded for further evaluation.

The appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been remanded. The Board will review additional records and consider an extraschedular TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including ankle disorders and knee disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition.

The Board remanded the case to obtain adequate medical opinions on the severity of the veteran's lumbar spine disability for specific periods.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection of low back and gastrointestinal disabilities. The Veteran's active service was from April 2001 to October 2001.