Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's mixed muscle contraction and vascular headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they have not manifested with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not manifested with total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current low back disability may be related to his in-service injury, while his bilateral hearing loss is more likely due to civilian noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and fatty liver as they were untimely filed. The appeal for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is pending under the Hearing docket.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there was no causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors, including failure to obtain SSA records and failed attempts at contacting the Veteran for a PTSD examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been readjudicated and are granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for neck disability (secondary to low back disability) and depression (secondary to low back disability). Additionally, the TDIU claim is being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for the Veteran's back condition, bilateral knee conditions, and left shoulder bicipital tendonitis.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 27, 2011 for a 40 percent disability rating for the appellant's lumbar spine disability based on evidence showing that forward flexion was limited to 30 degrees or less at that time.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar and left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities were incurred during his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services due to a need for supervision, protection or instruction without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. The appeal is remanded to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and provide complete notice as required by law.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of a disease or injury in service that caused the current disabilities.,Post-service treatment records show sporadic cervical spine pain beginning in the 2000s, which is not considered chronic enough to establish onset during service.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis and thoracolumbar spine scoliosis prior to February 3, 2021 is granted at a 40 percent rating. Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to these conditions is also granted.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on your claims as they are no longer pending.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issues of rating lumbosacral disability, separate ratings for radiculopathy, and other related matters.

The Veteran's right and left lumbar radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve are rated at 20 percent each, effective August 20, 2019.,Service connection for a dental disability (claimed as dental deterioration) is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for degenerative disc disease claimed as lower back condition was denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues have been withdrawn, and the appeal as to these issues is dismissed.