Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for irritable bowel syndrome, rhinitis, and sinusitis with sinus headaches were denied. Service connection was granted for major depressive disorder but only due to reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant. The right lower extremity sciatic radicular pain claim was also denied as it was not service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) are all granted as secondary to his now service-connected lumbar spine disability. The bilateral foot plantar fasciitis is also granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and a sleep condition due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain new evidence and examinations as requested.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for lower back condition due to inadequate VA medical opinion and failure to obtain all relevant treatment records. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service symptoms are considered, but a new VA examination is required to provide an adequate nexus opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been found to meet VA regulations for a disability, and his symptoms have persisted since separation from service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine and left knee traumatic arthritis have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's service connection claims for neuropathy tremors numbness, right hand and left hand, right knee condition, and back condition as secondary to pes planus have been granted. The claim for neuropathy tremors numbness, left foot has also been granted. However, the claim for neuropathy tremors numbness, right foot and left knee condition remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 25, 2016 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to September 18, 2015, and thus did not warrant a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the appellant's acquired psychiatric disability, including somatization disorder. The claim for service connection for low back disability remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence exists sufficient to readjudicate the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back condition, and thus the appeal is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an examination, and new evidence received since the last decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ is required to correct these errors by obtaining relevant medical records from Dr. T.M.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board could make a decision on her service connection claims for various conditions.

The Veteran's low back strain is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that her current condition began in service and has continued since.,The Veteran's OSA is also granted as secondary to her service-connected tinnitus. The Board found a causal link between the two conditions.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability and grants of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, both effective June 21, 2024.

The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claims for service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a neck disorder is granted.,The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claim of service connection for a back disorder as secondary to service-connected right tibia stress fracture with shin splints and left knee status post arthroscopy debridement and MACI sampling is granted.

The Veteran's fungal condition and lumbosacral strain were denied service connection, with the fungal condition finding no current disability related to service. The lumbosacral strain was also denied as not meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC is remanded due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion supporting the denial. The VA must obtain an updated opinion from the CEAT regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and needs regular extensive instruction or supervision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sinusitis, back disability, and sleep apnea due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The GERD claim is also remanded as there are no medical nexus opinions in the file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for eczema and skin rash, are associated with his subsequent period of active duty after he received separation pay. Therefore, the appeal is granted as recoupment of the Veteran's separation pay in the amount of $13,271.16 is improper.