Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for a back condition, hip condition, shoulder condition, diabetes, hypertension, and heart condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension, hypothyroidism, gastritis and GERD, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and arthritis, right knee arthritis and shin splints have been granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active service.,Service connection for recurrent right shoulder disability (osteoarthritis) and recurrent left shoulder disability (osteoarthritis) is remanded as the evidence does not clearly establish their onset in service.

The Veteran's back, right knee, left knee, and neck disabilities have been granted service connection. The evaluation for the lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome has been restored to 20 percent effective May 6, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), finding that a continuity of symptomatology links his current disabilities to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially contribute to his employment handicap, and he had the necessary education, skills, and experience to obtain suitable employment. Therefore, VR&E benefits were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg and lumbar spine disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions during periods of active or inactive duty training.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, including an additional medical opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of the Veteran's medication on his thoracolumbar spine strain.

The Veteran's lower back condition, claimed as lumbar disc herniation and degenerative arthritis, is found to be related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine anterior spinal fusion residuals, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, and a Schmorl's node is remanded due to the need for further VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back and right knee conditions due to incomplete medical records, including lack of documentation from Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service connection for lumbar radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve of the left lower extremity was restored as it was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and the evidence showed this condition more likely than not began during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for lumbosacral strain or hemorrhoids, and there was no current diagnosis of chlamydial urethritis or epigastric pain.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claim(s) at this time and must dismiss this appeal.

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability due to withdrawal. Service connection was granted for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, migraines, and TBI.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The Board found no evidence to support the claims and did not find any in-service injury or disease that could be linked to current conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and low back pain, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The claims for increased initial ratings for tinnitus, PTSD with TBI, limitation of extension and adduction of each hip, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been remanded.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss without prejudice. The appeal regarding an increased disability rating for a back disability was denied.

The Veteran's hematuria and nephrolithiasis are due to service, with the Board finding sufficient evidence to grant service connection.,The Veteran's left shoulder dislocation is due to service, as evidenced by a private examination that found it likely began during active duty.,The Veteran's low back disability is also due to service, supported by a private examiner's opinion and consistent with his lay statements.,Regarding vision loss, the Board denied the claim due to lack of evidence meeting the low threshold for VA examination under McLendon v. Nicholson (2006).,For bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination as the previous one was inadequate and internally inconsistent.,The claims for left knee osteoarthritis and right knee osteoarthritis are remanded due to insufficient evidence of an in-service injury or disease.,Vision loss claim denied.