Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory condition. Service connection for low back condition is remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.,Service connection for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar DDD has also been denied due to lack of evidence supporting an increase in disability level.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus due to lack of new and relevant evidence. The Veteran did not submit any new evidence that would support his claims.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to clarify the Veteran's diagnosis and determine if service connection for low back disability can be granted. The issue will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The rating for hernia and radiculopathy conditions are dismissed due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spondylosis, degenerative arthritis, and lumbar strain prior to July 2, 2021, and 40 percent thereafter is granted. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 2, 2021, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and left foot on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 19, 2019 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings, TDIU, and DEA benefits due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability prior to August 21, 2024.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for cervical spine, left knee, left shoulder, left wrist, and right wrist disabilities. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to restore her 40 percent rating for her lumbar spine disability, effective March 1, 2020, due to her failure to appear for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the severity of his back scars, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis, but remanded the claim for a compensable rating for sleep apnea.

The Board has found that the Veteran may have current disabilities related to her low back and right hip conditions, but a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are service-connected.

Service connection is granted for a skin disability, including chronic urticaria, cellulitis with dermatitis, and psoriasis.,Service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability.,Service connection is granted for asthma.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is denied for kidney stones.,Service connection is denied for sleep apnea.