Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in assessing the severity of the Veteran's low back disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for a new examination to assess the current severity and functional impact of his condition, with particular attention to the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since April 4, 2017. Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy from June 9, 2009 to January 6, 2020.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no one has requested substitution for the Veteran.

The Veteran's back disability is now rated at 40 percent from March 22, 2016, effective as of that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and right lower extremity sciatic radulopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy due to additional examinations being required.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with compression fractures and lumbar facet arthropathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities from July 19, 2013 through January 20, 2014 rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left knee disability due to inadequate VA opinions. The cases are now pending further development.

An earlier effective date of July 22, 2013, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and assignment of a 10 percent rating is granted.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied.,From December 12, 2023, a 20 percent disability rating for service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to a grant in October 2025. The back condition claim is granted with a 30% evaluation effective September 22, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was denied, and his request for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status was also denied.

Service connection is granted for a low back disability, stress incontinence, and bunion disability.,The Veteran's unspecified chronic virus (likely Lyme disease) and neurological eye disability are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with left leg radiculopathy, a skin condition other than acne (eczema, atopic dermatitis, corns and calluses), a left hip condition, residuals of vasectomy, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with left leg radiculopathy, a skin condition other than acne (eczema, atopic dermatitis, corns and calluses), a left hip condition, residuals of vasectomy, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand disability, right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis, scoliosis, lumbosacral strain, COPD, and asthma. The appeals are dismissed due to lack of a current disability for right hand disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his period of service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The other conditions (headaches, sleep apnea, left knee condition, right knee condition, and back condition) are denied as not related to service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on four issues: back disability, knee disability, grand mal seizures, and hearing loss. The claims were denied in September 2017 without a timely Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has granted the petitions to readjudicate the claims for service connection for left and right shin splints. The low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as other conditions. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the claim for an increased rating remains pending.