Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied a higher rating as there was no evidence of forward flexion of less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from obtaining or securing substantially gainful employment since November 20, 2015. The effective date for the TDIU is set at November 20, 2015.

The Veteran's back condition, except for the period from February 27, 2023, to December 31, 2023, was rated at 40 percent and denied a higher rating. The case is remanded due to further development needed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with strain residuals is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the February 2023 remand directives and thus another remand is necessary. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, SMC based on aid and attendance, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's scoliosis, which existed prior to service, was aggravated during service. The Board has granted service connection for DDD and IVDS as they are related to the service-connected scoliosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance since July 20, 2020. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disorder have been withdrawn due to a full grant of SMC.

The Veteran's moderate chronic lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome were denied increased ratings. The Veteran had a 10% rating prior to June 9, 2022, and a 40% rating beginning on that date.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's in-service combat experience is sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient information provided by the VA examinations and failure to consider the ameliorative effects of medications on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, hypertension, constipation, and bilateral hypertensive retinopathy. The Veteran's skin condition is considered part of the service connection for fungal onychomycosis, tinea pedis and hyperkeratosis.

The Board denied service connection for liver function, lower back condition, migraines, pancreatic cyst, and skin condition.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for various conditions, including PTSD, neck disability, low back disability, wrist sprains, and left foot dermatitis with dermatophytosis, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in any of these cases.

The Veteran's voiding dysfunction with pelvic floor pain is rated at 40 percent, but no higher. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease with lumbar spine strain is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, left hip osteoarthritis, left wrist degenerative arthritis, right wrist degenerative arthritis, left elbow degenerative arthritis, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the claims of service connection for tinnitus and a lumbar spine disorder, warranting readjudication. The AOJ should obtain a medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and readjudicate the merits of both claims.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for PTSD, TBI, and a back condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted readjudication of the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back, TMJ, right hip pain, left hip pain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease with rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, and left shoulder degenerative joint disease. The claims are remanded for further review.