Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for alopecia areata was denied. The claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and service connection for urinary dysfunction with crystalluria were remanded.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and chronic rhinitis is granted. The back and left knee disability claims are remanded.

The veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance (A&A). However, service connection for PTSD and several other conditions was denied.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions, including lung disability, bronchitis, and psychiatric disorders. Some issues were dismissed, and others were remanded for further review.

The veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2021. This means the veteran is considered totally disabled due to service-connected conditions and unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and asthma, and service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and sleep apnea were dismissed. Service connection for low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities was granted. The claim for hypertension was remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals from a bowel obstruction surgery and cervical strain has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the spine was granted. The Board found that the condition began during his active service between June 2013 and June 2014.

The veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied. The claims for headaches, back condition, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left elbow condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition were remanded for further development.

The veteran was granted a 20% rating for several conditions but denied higher ratings and earlier effective dates. The veteran was also granted TDIU from January 30, 2017.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities alone precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, so he is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the veteran's requests for higher disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, PTSD, and migraine headaches.

Service connection for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain is granted.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant were denied. The claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for autoimmune and cardiovascular disabilities were denied. The claims for lumbar spine, radiculopathy, and bilateral knee disabilities were remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right upper extremity radiculopathy and left shoulder disorder. The Board also remanded claims related to cervical and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an earlier effective date for lumbosacral strain. It remanded decisions on other conditions.

The Board denied all requested increased ratings for the veteran's disabilities.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for several conditions were denied, but a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy was granted.