Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service connection for right lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy, as well as lumbosacral strain has been granted with an effective date of March 31, 2020.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome was restored to 40 percent effective September 25, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for hearing loss was denied.,The appeals for service connection for a broken nose, sinus condition, and tinnitus were dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip condition and denied effective dates prior to August 9, 2024, for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, as well as radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.,The Board also denied service connection for a right hip condition. The Veteran's current effective date for service connection is consistent with when she first received treatment for her back issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, right foot pes planus, right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot pes planus, left foot plantar fasciitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hemorrhoids has been granted.,Service connection is established for major depressive disorder, recurrent, with anxious distress.,Service connection is established for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis.,Service connection is established for cervical strain and degenerative disc disease.,Service connection is established for left shoulder impingement syndrome with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, status post subacromial decompression surgery.,Service connection is established for right shoulder impingement syndrome with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, status post subacromial decompression surgery.,Service connection is established for migraine headaches.,Service connection is established for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection is established for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not show a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral wrist disability is denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking his current wrist condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of Degenerative Disc Disease, bilateral lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy have been granted effective November 1, 2021.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a TDIU has also been granted effective January 1, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance since January 22, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of January 22, 2018 for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease was restored to 40 percent effective May 1, 2025.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder and denied service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The low back disorder is related to in-service complaints of pain, while the psychiatric disorder does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The effective date for tinea unguium remains denied, and the other issues are pending further review.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disorder and pelvic disorder, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and a rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability, finding no evidence to support the claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent, effective September 1, 2014. A separate rating of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) is granted effective September 1, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his PTSD, depression, or any other single service-connected disability. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted service connection, and her non-allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the condition. The Board also found insufficient evidence linking the current lumbar spine disability to any service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for hearing loss and back condition as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, and will need an addendum medical advisory opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.