Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbar syndrome from February 14, 2019, to March 10, 2020, as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for low back disability, left inguinal hernia, and left inguinal hernia scar were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating greater than 10 percent for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and thoracolumbar strain are granted service connection as they were incurred during his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and increased rating for IVDS have been granted. The effective dates are not specified as they were granted under direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for back, skin, and jaw conditions were denied. The Board found the evidence insufficient to support a finding of service connection or entitlement to increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address incomplete service treatment records and clarify his periods of active duty, including his time in the Marine Corps Reserve. The rating for tinnitus remains denied as it already meets the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing (SAH) or special home adaptation (SHA) grants due to his existing conditions and ratings.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and MDD have been granted effective from the dates of their respective claims.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the LUE, posttraumatic headaches, IBS, and left shoulder strain has not yet been established.

The Veteran's left shoulder arthroscopic labral tear repair with residual pain and decreased range of motion is granted a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher. Other conditions are denied or not rated.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee strain, left ankle strain, and right hip muscle strain (right hip strain) as the evidence does not establish that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The claims for left knee strain, right shin splints, left shin splints, right ankle strain, lumbar strain, and acquired psychiatric disability have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain, and denied other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded due to the failure of the RO to request VA treatment records from January 2018 through February 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to procedural issues. The claims were improperly docketed, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is entitled to VA examinations to determine if his claimed disabilities are related to his service.

All appeals concerning service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to the invalidity of the initial Notice of Disagreement submitted by the Veteran's surviving spouse before substitution was approved.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain residuals, T12 compression fracture residuals, and degenerative changes are granted as service connected. The claims for recurrent skin disability (PFB and tinea pedis), recurrent bilateral foot disability (pes planus), and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disability was dismissed because he withdrew the appeal. The Board also remanded the case to obtain an opinion on whether cardiovascular disease is related to service, including conceded exposure to asbestos.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back disability, left and right lower extremity diabetic and lumbar radiculopathy involving the femoral and sciatic nerves is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for fatigue and hypertension is also dismissed.