Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, IVDS, and degenerative disc disease other than IVDS were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased disability ratings are denied as there is no factually ascertainable increase in the disabilities within the one-year look back period.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headache disorder, residual pain of lumbar spine, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and sciatica of the right lower extremity all related to the Veteran's period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) from May 2, 1986 to August 30, 1986.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for his service-connected left knee and low back disabilities was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating assigned for each condition is appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports that did not account for the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and disc with lumbar stenosis, or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his radiculopathy, left lower extremity or right lower extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, thoracolumbosacral strain with scoliosis, and rhinitis. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral hip disabilities due to insufficient rationale in the VA medical opinions provided. The case is sent back for an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for a back condition, migraines, and vertigo due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus are denied as they were clearly and unmistakably not aggravated during his military service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and has remanded the issue of service connection for bowel or bladder incontinence as secondary to his service-connected lumbar strain, DDD, spondylosis with IVDS.

The Board has determined that there were procedural errors in the initial decision and remands these claims for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanation regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services and if participation in PCAFC would be in his best interest. The matter is now on remand for further clarification.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and PTSD. The claims for left foot disability (toenail fungus) and right foot disability (toenail fungus) are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and lumbar spine, finding that these conditions were incurred during or caused by the Veteran's period of active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, back condition, and migraines. The claim for service connection for anxiety is remanded due to a lack of an adequate rationale in the previous medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of low back pain, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.