Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an effective date prior to January 17, 2023 for service connection of lumbosacral strain and tinnitus due to lack of a pending claim before that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, including obesity caused by his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus deformity, and left and right knee disabilities. As a result, the Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA has been granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of degenerative disc disease and herniated disc as the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and denied rating increases for left ankle and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the decision on appeal was not legally adequate and requires remand for further action, including obtaining a medical opinion from the CEAT regarding personal care services needs and supervision requirements. The AOJ must also provide compliant notice under 38 U.S.C. § 5104.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempts to extend the time to file an appeal for decisions denying service connection for low back condition, PTSD/depression, and unspecified depressive disorder and vertigo. The appeals were dismissed as not timely filed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The issues of left shoulder strain with degenerative changes, back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, left ankle disability (not specified), and acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) has been denied. The appeal is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's left elbow and left knee disabilities are granted service connection.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted service connection based on a fall during service.,The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection based on a fall during service.,Tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Bilateral hearing loss does not meet criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral allergic conjunctivitis and bilateral dry eye syndrome was granted, with the highest possible rating of 10 percent. The Veteran's chronic cholelithiasis (gallstones) was also granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining necessary medical records and for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU. The Veteran's attorney requested a VA examination to assess functional loss without considering the ameliorative effects of medication, and also raised concerns about the August 2020 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete records, particularly from VA authorized treatment providers. The AOJ is instructed to make reasonable efforts to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lower back condition. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lower back disability, which must be determined based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The effective date for additional dependency compensation for the Veteran's spouse is set at September 1, 2024.

The Veteran's back disability rating was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective July 1, 2025. The reduction is granted as the evidence shows improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not been manifested by ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, and his service-connected conditions have not met the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity pain and lumbar spine pain causing impairment in earning capacity.,A new issue of entitlement to a Total Disability based upon Unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the addition of evidence relevant to this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, left knee, right knee, left wrist, and right wrist disabilities. The claims were remanded for other issues.