Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board denied service connection for low back, right ankle, left foot plantar fasciitis, and right foot plantar fasciitis conditions. The claims were based on the Veteran's contention that these conditions were incurred in or due to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection under Chapter 17 due to a full grant of benefits for PTSD. The appeal is now remanded for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefit records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all pending claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, with a finding that it began during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for neck pain, DDD other than IVDS and lumbosacral strain, right trochanteric pain syndrome, and left trochanteric pain syndrome due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection was not granted on a presumptive basis as arthritis is not considered a chronic disease for purposes of VA compensation.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to a disagreement with the determination that he does not need personal care services from another person for at least six continuous months. The Board requests an adequate medical opinion regarding his need for personal care and supervision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC higher than the (l) + (1/2) rate due to lack of anatomical loss or use of extremities, blindness, or permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the TDIU claim prior to March 22, 2021, was granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder II, and alcohol abuse disorder, are not service-connected as they did not onset during service or due to a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's low back pain is not service-connected as it did not onset during service or due to a service-connected condition. The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as there were no secondary service connection issues addressed.,The Veteran's right knee disorder, which includes meniscal tear with joint osteoarthritis and instability, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings are denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted with an effective date of February 2, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service in Afghanistan.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals due to untimely filing of the appeal requests, as they were received more than one year after the rating decisions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection is denied. The claims for back condition, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and thoracic outlet syndrome are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unemployable, but an award of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is not for assignment due to the presence of other service-connected conditions. Therefore, entitlement to a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability was denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of gastroenteritis, including IBS and GERD, was granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 10, 2024 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's neoplasms of the male reproductive system, including prostate cancer are in remission and do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent during the period on appeal.,The effective date for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is August 10, 2023.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but he meets the schedular requirements beginning on August 8, 2024. The Board is unable to grant an extraschedular TDIU based on the evidence of record.