Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and back conditions have been granted service connection. Service connection for sciatica of the left lower extremities has also been granted. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his lumbar spine disability was denied, with the Board finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 1, 2016; in excess of 40 percent from February 1, 2016 to April 10, 2021; and in excess of 20 percent since April 10, 2021.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including back condition, right hip condition, left hip condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claim for headaches secondary to PTSD with a persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia is granted.,The Board has also dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a deviated septum, sleep apnea as secondary to other specified trauma disorder, TBI, back disability, and scoliosis due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his shoulder and lumbar spine conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and a duty to assist error, requiring additional examinations and opinions on his back disability and left lower extremity nerve condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and a duty to assist error, requiring additional examinations and opinions on his back disability and left lower extremity nerve condition.

The Board has remanded the case to address the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a September 1994 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The rating for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features remains at 100 percent, the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The IBS rating is also denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection for radiculopathy of the RUE and back disability were both denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a procedural error in failing to provide the Veteran with notice of a scheduled hearing. The Veteran must be provided with a hearing before the matter can be reconsidered.

The Veteran's epilepsy is currently rated at 40 percent, and his back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to October 23, 2019, and 40 percent since that date. The appeals for increased evaluations are denied.

The Veteran's low back condition is granted a 10% evaluation effective December 1, 1994. The Veteran's post-traumatic headaches are denied any rating in excess of 30%. The decision also dismissed the claim for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for GERD, Tinea Cruris, and a low back disability due to potential secondary service connection. The Veteran's current diagnoses are GERD, PFB, Tinea Cruris, and a low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, along with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to June 10, 2024. The appeal for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is at least as likely as not incurred in service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in fulfilling its duty to assist, specifically regarding obtaining private treatment records from Dr. R and a retrospective medical opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, removal of ribs, lumbar spine, and right hip disabilities as the Veteran's Notice of Disagreement was not timely filed within one year after notification of the November 2017 rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, left knee, and back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral knee disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and low back disability are all found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the right hip, left ankle, low back, and TBI residuals conditions. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical records, and his statements regarding the onset of these conditions during service have been found to be credible.