Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and lumbar strain, left hip strain (limitation of flexion), and left hip strain (impairment of thigh) have been granted effective September 16, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left hip strain (limitation of extension) has not met the criteria for earlier effective dates.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates because she did not continuously pursue her claims within one year of the October 2023 rating decision granting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2015.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD, effective April 15, 2019. The Veteran is denied entitlement to a TDIU based solely on his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left upper extremity neuropathy due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected low back strain was denied, as the current severity of his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scoliosis and lumbar strain, finding that there is no evidence of a superimposed injury or continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right arm disability, including her right elbow and wrist disabilities, as secondary to her service-connected right upper extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been granted. The left knee disability has been rated based on the symptoms described, with a focus on instability and limitation of motion. The lumbar spine disability was rated based on its current manifestations.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, left knee injury, and low back injury claims have been dismissed.,A rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right knee mild osteoarthritis status-post right lateral meniscectomy has been granted with an effective date of August 7, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to September 17, 2013 and a rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter due to insufficient development.

The reduction of the evaluation from 40 percent to 20 percent for low back disability was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored. The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and TDIU are remanded.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is denied for vision disorder (allergic conjunctivitis).,Service connection is remanded for fibromyalgia and lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders (asthma and obstructive sleep apnea), eye disorder, and skin disorder due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar behind the left knee, an initial 20 percent evaluation for a low back disability prior to June 10, 2019, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and CTS of the left upper extremity, and service connection for a right shoulder disability are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has vacated the July 2023 decision that denied higher initial ratings for bowel and urinary incontinence associated with the service-connected lumbar spine disability from February 11, 2011. The claims are being dismissed as they were improperly certified to the Board.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with DDD and IVDS is granted a 40% disability rating from March 2, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine strain, and tension headaches have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history prior to August 30, 2022.