Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied an effective date prior to November 1, 2018 for the 40 percent rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and TDIU and SMC have also been granted.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's back disability during the period from March 30, 2010, to March 13, 2015, but denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the same condition during the period from February 4, 2008, to March 29, 2009.

The Board granted an effective date of July 17, 2017, for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings as the current VA examinations are inadequate to determine the level of disability absent the ameliorating effects of medication.

The Board granted a clothing allowance for the use of a lumbar spine brace and crutches, but denied allowances for right knee brace, left ankle brace, and capsaicin cream.

The Board remands the matter for additional development, specifically to schedule the Veteran for an examination by a medical doctor.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and a neck disability, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to June 16, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and upper extremity neuropathy disabilities as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between the claimed conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 1, 2019, and an effective date of the same for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the measured range of motion findings and the fact that he experiences pain during flare-ups.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder. The claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left hip degenerative arthritis, right hip degenerative arthritis, respiratory infection, and chronic sinusitis were remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the right lower extremity, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the left lower extremity, and residual hypoesthesia and dysfunction of the right hand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection for a lower back disability.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to August 28, 2023, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease with scoliosis and lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to it, as a new VA examination is needed using the correct legal standard.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the claims for service connection for right and left hip strains.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, resolving all doubt in the Veteran's favor that his tinnitus had its onset during military service. The claims for a low back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to tinnitus were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as an earlier effective date for a granted condition.

The Board granted service connection for a back condition and a neck condition based on the probative evidence supporting a causal relationship to the Veteran's service.