Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine, as well as secondary service connection for radiating pain in the left and right legs. The decision is based on evidence that supports these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and PTSD have been remanded due to the need for further development.,An effective date prior to August 9, 2022, is denied for both the lumbar spine disability and PTSD.

The appeal of the prostate disability claim is dismissed. The cervical and lumbar spine disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and right knee strain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was currently assigned.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 50 percent, effective September 18, 2023. The earlier effective date for service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative lumbosacral arthritis and a TDIU claim due to inadequate VA examinations and raised issues that need further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, finding that it began in service and is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, back disability, and right knee disability as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed back disability. The VA will obtain additional opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the claims for service connection for cervicalgia, low back pain, and a bilateral foot disability. The claims are being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a TDIU and an increased evaluation for left Achilles tendonitis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her unable to work during certain periods, but further review is needed.

Your lumbar spine disability is now rated at 40 percent effective February 9, 2022.,Your left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve are both rated at 20 percent effective May 1, 2019. Your left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent from October 23, 2019 and your right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is also rated at 20 percent from October 23, 2019.,Your claim for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot as you are already receiving a combined rating of 100%.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability (degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease) as it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the effective dates of the awards are August 14, 2023.

The Veteran's left hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. However, the Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) due to inadequate examination findings and conflicting annotations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The leg length discrepancy is denied under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, as the surgery was not performed with carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar fault. The lumbar spine disability is also denied under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the denial of leg length discrepancy claim.