Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's disability rating for service-connected lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease was restored to 40 percent effective August 1, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for psoriatic arthritis of the bilateral ankles, knees, and lower back as there was no evidence that the conditions were caused or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for TDIU and all service connection claims, stating he is satisfied with the decisions made regarding his VA disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea, thoracic spine disability (claimed as lumbar spine condition), and depression, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted due to the submission of a timely substantive appeal in March 2020.

The Veteran's initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension and service connection for a low back disability are both denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck and back disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran testified of continuity of symptoms since service, and possible aggravation by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination that did not discount the beneficial effects of the Veteran's pain medications on his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection, as well as his requests for increased disability rating and TDIU. The appeals were dismissed due to untimeliness.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for increased ratings, TDIU on an extraschedular basis, and a grant of eligibility to Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35. The Board grants these claims with the effective dates specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist or left ankle conditions, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,VA examinations in September 2019 found no evidence of lower back or knee conditions related to service. The VA examiner's opinions are deemed inadequate due to an inaccurate factual premise regarding parachute jumps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist or left ankle conditions, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,VA examinations in September 2019 found no evidence of lower back or knee conditions related to service. The VA examiner's opinions are deemed inadequate due to an inaccurate factual premise regarding parachute jumps.

The Veteran's neck pain is granted as secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury.,Service connection for low back pain and left hip condition are denied.

The Veteran's back disability, characterized as lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease, has not met the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The evidence does not show forward flexion limited to less than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait, IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks but less than four weeks during the past 12 months, or x-ray evidence of arthritis with involvement of two or more major joints or minor joint groups.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status is denied as he does not require such assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition did not warrant such an increase based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities due to service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining an adequate VA examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for a more detailed and thoroughly explained medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on neurological impairment, or regular extensive instruction to function in daily life.

The Board has determined that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) incorrectly concluded that the Veteran does not require personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on her disability conditions. The CEAT review overlooked evidence indicating she may need supervision or protection due to neurological impairments, as well as regular or extensive instruction or supervision due to her eye condition and lumbar spine condition. As such, the Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if personal care services are required for a minimum of six continuous months.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for various hand and back conditions were denied, while service connection was granted for residuals of a right hand laceration.