Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and IVDS. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing more severe symptoms or incapacitating episodes.

The appeal for service connection of a back condition is remanded. The Board found the medical opinion inadequate and ordered a new one.

The Board remanded the claim for a higher rating of lumbar disc disease due to an error in the VA's duty to assist. The case will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

Service connection for left knee disability and lumbar degenerative disc disease is granted. Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as sciatica) is denied.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for thoracolumbar spine conditions was dismissed because it was premature.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and bilateral knee conditions due to inadequate medical opinions. The Board will consider new evidence in the future.

The veteran is granted a 20% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to June 4, 2020, for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and right rotator cuff strain are remanded.

The Board remanded all claims for service connection due to inadequate medical examinations and opinions.

Service connection for headaches, low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability is granted. Service connection for left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board granted the appellant's request for direct payment of attorney fees from past due benefits awarded in a March 2023 rating decision granting entitlement to a TDIU.

Service connection for bilateral pes planus is granted. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating higher than 20% for degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with intervertebral disc syndrome. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing the required criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities has been granted. The Board found that the veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation because of his service-connected conditions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of sinusitis and a thoracolumbar spine disorder due to inadequate medical opinions.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating than 20 percent for back disability was denied. The claim for separate ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was remanded.

The appeal for service connection of a low back disability has been remanded. The VA will schedule an examination to determine if the disability is related to service or a service-connected condition.

Service connection for lumbar spine disorder is denied. Appeals for OSA, right shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder are dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain with IVDS and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, maintaining the 10% rating.

The Board remanded all claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examinations.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's left hip, right hip, right knee, left knee, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and lumbar spine disabilities.