Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with thoracic spondylosis and lower extremity radiculopathy were evaluated at a 10 percent rating, which is the lowest available under the applicable criteria. The claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dismissed the claim of service connection for a right thumb disability as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease from 60% to 30% was granted, and the effective date is set at November 28, 2023. The back disability claim remains denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. The right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve claim remains denied due to lack of moderate incomplete paralysis. The left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve claim has a granted effective date of November 28, 2023. The neurological impairment of the right foot due to stroke and right L5 radiculopathy associated with a stroke claim remains denied as there is no evidence of moderately severe incomplete paralysis. The stroke with neurological impairment of the right hand claim was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and denied service connection for a low back disorder. The appeal is remanded to determine if the Veteran's knee disorders are aggravated by his service-connected foot disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of VA examination, which is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his eligibility for the Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to inadequate notice and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board will adjudicate whether he meets criteria for personal care services, best interests of participation, and other pertinent criteria.

The Veteran's right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection effective September 30, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder, back, and left finger disabilities were also granted effective September 30, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for a back disability and a back scar have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for a back scar has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches has been granted with a 50 percent rating effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing back disability was aggravated by his service in Iraq, and therefore grants service connection for degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to support the Veteran's claims for service connection, but the claims are being remanded due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, sinus disorder, and pneumonia have been dismissed as untimely.,Restoration of the 10% ratings for right hip strain and right knee sprain from February 13, 2024 has also been dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to insufficient notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice of the decision as required by law, including identification of whether or not the claim meets the criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1720G and 38 C.F.R. § 71.15-71.25. Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran qualifies for personal care services.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and segmental instability with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims for entitlement to service connection for a heart condition and left above-knee amputation are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's right foot, left foot, right shoulder, left shoulder, cervical spine, right knee, and low back disabilities are granted service connection. The Veteran's chronic bronchitis is also granted service connection.

The appeal for service connection for a heart disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right knee disability, right hip disability, low back disability, scar of the lower lip, scars associated with a heart disability, and scars associated with a low back disability is dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a thoracolumbar spine disability and right hip disability, as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The VA is required to obtain new medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU is based solely on his service-connected mixed anxiety with depression, and he has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or higher. Therefore, SMC based on statutory housebound status is granted as of June 1, 2019.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated as noncompensable, and the Board denied a compensable rating.,Service connection for lower back condition, headaches, and traumatic brain injury was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional error in not considering evidence submitted by the Veteran within the applicable evidentiary window. The AOJ is required to obtain an opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for A&A.