Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the matter for an additional VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, as the previous examination did not account for the Veteran's reported flare-ups.

The Board granted disability ratings of 40 percent for right shoulder impingement syndrome, 30 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, 30 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and 30 percent for right knee patellar chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis, but not higher.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic radiculopathy to correct duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as secondary to the lumbar spine disability, a cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, as secondary to the cervical spine disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and a lower back condition to schedule VA medical examinations as there is insufficient evidence of record to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, with IVDS, and lumbar spondylosis was granted a 20 percent rating from July 13, 2017 to October 17, 2023, but denied for the period from October 18, 2023 to February 19, 2024. The 20 percent rating was restored effective February 20, 2024.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for lumbosacral strain and spondylosis, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for back, right hip, left hip, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee, and left knee disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board remands the case to obtain a retrospective medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder for the entire appeal period, including whether it exhibited ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to a lumbar spine disability for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling new VA examinations.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for right leg radiculopathy from November 15, 2021, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The appeal for an increased rating of the thoracolumbar spine disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lower spine, prior to September 29, 2020, and entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 5, 2017, due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board remands the matter for additional evidentiary development, specifically to respond to a request for information regarding the qualifications of a VA examiner.

The Board remands the case to ensure an adequate examination is conducted, including weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing range of motion assessments.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability secondary to his service-connected bilateral shoulder disability, as there was no evidence that the current disability was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Board granted service connection for diverticulitis, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain based on the Veteran's credible lay evidence of in-service onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective September 14, 2021. The appeal was also remanded to address additional issues related to the left foot disorder.

The Board remands the service connection claims for cervical strain, low back pain, right knee pain (bilateral), and left knee pain (bilateral) to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted service connection for neck disabilities, diagnosed as a cervical strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease other than IVDS.