Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for her back disability and migraine headaches were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for her back disability, as there was no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). Her migraine headaches are already rated at the maximum under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service or that current back disabilities have a nexus to active service.

The Veteran's left hip arthritis and limitation of extension are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, so no higher ratings can be granted.,Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and unspecified depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his DJD of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the functional impairment associated with his condition, without considering the beneficial effects of medication.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a lower back disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology. The Veteran's current condition is linked to in-service injuries, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that her current condition is related to an in-service injury and resolving all doubt in her favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic sinusitis, dermatosis of the arms, legs, and chest, GAD, low back pain (claimed as lumbar discogenic pain), and LLEN. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these conditions being related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he have a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is able to perform most of his activities of daily living independently.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance and the reduction of the disability rating for a low back disability from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective November 5, 2024.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,New evidence has been submitted that may support service connection for a neck condition. The claim is remanded to allow for further review.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board denied an increased rating as his flexion and extension were within the range that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury is being remanded as there was no examination provided, and the examiner did not address all elements of secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for back condition is being remanded as there was no examination provided, and the examiner did not address all elements of secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for rectal cancer is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for fracture right leg remains, to include as secondary to the service-connected left leg varicose veins, is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins, right leg is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right hand arthritis is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for seizures is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis in right knee is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis in left knee is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney condition is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis in right hip is being remanded due to procedural issues with the examinations conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic sinusitis, back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and PTSD have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a low back condition due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms will be considered in any new medical opinions.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 6, 2010 for the Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on his need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records prior to the July 2020 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of tinnitus which became manifest in service and has persisted since, granting her claim. For the other issues (right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability), the Board remands them due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine prior to July 24, 2024.