Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain, 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and 20 percent for left radial and ulnar radicular pain and paresthesia to afford the Veteran new VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle condition, but remanded claims for other conditions including neck, upper extremity radiculopathy, back, and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's GERD and Schatzki's ring were granted a combined rating of 30 percent, while other claims for increased ratings or service connection were denied.

The Board remands the claims for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinion and correcting duty to assist errors.

The appeal for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.

The appeal for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis from the May 2023 higher-level review decision was dismissed due to duplicative appeals.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and remanded claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome, cholecystectomy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied an effective date prior to January 10, 2024, for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a neck disability, shoulder disabilities, hand disabilities, lower back disability, knee disabilities, psychiatric disorder, sinus headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and tinnitus, to ensure that VA has satisfied its duty to assist with regard to verifying all periods of service and obtaining medical records associated with the Veteran's service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and musculoskeletal issues, but granted restoration of a 10 percent rating for right hip limited extension.

The Board granted a 40 percent initial disability rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome; 20 percent initial disability ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy; and a 10 percent disability rating for limitation of extension in the left hip due to osteoarthritis. The claim for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss was denied.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date for tinnitus prior to February 2, 2024. The claims for a rating greater than 10 percent for tinea pedis, and for service connection for lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity nerve conditions were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, right foot hallux valgus and capsulitis, right knee meniscal tear, right hand mild to moderate osteoarthritis and ULC MPC calcification calcium deposit of bursa with right thumb chronic UCL injury, and osteoarthritis, joint of left thumb. The claim for a left foot disability was denied.

The appeal for higher ratings and special monthly compensation was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision was made.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder strain and remanded the claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, low back disorder, right ankle disorder, and total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee condition and a lumbar spine condition, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's claim for VA home loan guaranty benefits is granted based on his service-connected lumbar spine disability, which resulted in his discharge from military service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for a back condition, granted an initial rating of 20 percent for right shoulder bursitis prior to January 15, 2020, and a 30 percent rating effective from that date. The Board also denied an initial compensable rating for dermatophytosis and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective February 28, 2020.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating and earlier effective dates for service-connected lumbosacral strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with limitation of extension, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with limitation of extension.

All appeals for service connection and higher disability ratings were dismissed due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.