Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, right hip disability, left foot bunion knee, right foot bunion, and right hamstring disability. The 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis was also denied.

The Board granted restoration of the 30 percent evaluation for bilateral flat feet and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Various claims for increased ratings and service connection were remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and higher rating for genital warts due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.

The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for cervical strain, arthritis, DDD, IVDS and service connection for left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left shoulder strain, and bilateral vertigo due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection and a rating in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis.

The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) was granted from May 20, 2016. The Board also remanded the claim for a higher disability rating for his lumbosacral strain, degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board granted service connection for low back degenerative disc disease and remanded the claims for a right knee disability, migraine headaches, neck disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right total knee arthroplasty and chronic disability of the right knee.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including a lumbar spine disorder and various peripheral neuropathies, as the probative evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding medication effects and a genitourinary examination to determine if there is any secondary voiding dysfunction related to the Veteran's back disability.

The Board denied service connection for left big toe hallux rigidus and denied increased ratings for the lumbar spine disability, initial rating for left big toe injury, and compensable rating for left toenail onychomycosis.

The Board remands the claims for an increased evaluation of a lumbar spine disability, service connection for migraines and chronic sinusitis due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and increased the ratings for thoracolumbar strain, herniated disc and intervertebral disc syndrome, vertigo/dizziness, and PTSD. The rating for left shoulder impingement syndrome was denied, while a 50 percent rating for tension headaches was granted.

The Board granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea and a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease, as well as a separate disability rating for her right upper extremity disability. The diverticulosis claim was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disability since March 2, 2012.

The Board remands the claims for further development, specifically to obtain a VA examination that considers the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 to obtain an adequate opinion from a clinician with expertise in neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to a need for additional medical opinions that address the Veteran's contentions of continuous symptoms since service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, hypertension, residuals of frostbite of both hands, and a right shoulder disability, for additional development.