Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine degenerative disk disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy from July 31, 2013, to March 9, 2020. A TDIU was also granted.

The Board denied increased ratings for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and GERD disabilities and remanded claims for service connection of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, residuals of hernia repair, double vision, deviated septum, temporomandibular pain syndrome (TPS), and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for the low back disorder, diagnosed degenerative disc disease with spinal fusion, and denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for left hip strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a total disability based on individual unemployability, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, SMC based on housebound status, and service connection for vertigo.

The Board granted service connection for right knee and leg, left knee and leg, and low back disabilities based on the evidence showing a direct relationship to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disorder and dismissed the appeal for a right ankle disorder, while denying increased ratings for left ankle sprain, cervicogenic headaches, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and right upper extremity radiculopathy, and remanded claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right wrist sprain and service connection for a lumbosacral strain.

The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address deficiencies in the June 2023 examination report, specifically regarding range of motion testing and consideration of lay testimony.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several issues related to her left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and low back disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for initial increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, and a scar.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain, left ankle deltoid ligament sprain (left ankle disability), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The appeals for service connection and rating of various conditions were dismissed due to untimely filing of the VA Form 10182 within one year of the respective rating decisions, with no good cause shown.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, left and right radiculopathy lower extremities (claimed as bilateral radiculopathy lower), and a bilateral foot condition (plantar fasciitis) due to the lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board denied restoration of the 20 percent ratings for cervical spine strain, thoracolumbar strain, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to improvement in the disabilities under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine disabilities to obtain additional VA examination addendum opinions regarding secondary service connection due to the service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board granted service connection for a low back condition based on the Veteran's chronic symptoms since active duty and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropsychological signs or symptoms, and a respiratory condition. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, lumbar spine disability, bilateral eye conditions, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, and left below knee amputation were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for gallstones, left eye disability, right eye disability, sinusitis, asbestos exposure, GERD, back disability, neck disability, and right ear hearing loss. The claims for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for athlete's foot, tinea pedis, a lumbar spine disorder, depression as secondary to nonservice-connected conditions, left and right foot disorders, left knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder due to the lack of evidence showing current diagnoses at any time during the appeal period.