Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and cervical strain have been denied. The evidence does not support a rating in excess of the current 10 percent evaluations.,The VA examiner found no limitation of motion or other functional impairment that would warrant an evaluation higher than 10 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and spinal stenosis are rated at 40 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depression, cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for hypertension.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating claims due to a concurrent election under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). The issues were docketed in error as the AOJ was still reviewing them.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied, while his cervical degenerative arthritis and lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and knee disorders, as well as a back disorder. The issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected low back with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and right hip disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and spinal fusion, as well as for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to incidents during active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability and left knee strain due to incomplete records and a need for additional examination or opinion.

The Board has determined that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities and his service, and thus denied both claims.

Service connection for a neck condition is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her lumbar spine disability from September 5, 2024, to April 24, 2025, and prior to that date is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremities radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve are granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis/degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's request for additional VR&E equipment purchases and other services under a program of independent living services, including a riding lawnmower, power tools, attending school far from home, childcare, and a vehicle, was denied due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered further development to address these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and hepatitis C secondary to his service-connected paranoid type schizophrenia. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronicity during or after service, and the current diagnoses were not linked to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder was dismissed as the original claim became final due to non-appeal within one year. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding entitlement to SMC and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset during active service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 2, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not show that he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence in favor of a link to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, a back disability, and hypertension as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral foot condition as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.