Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining medical records and for an additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar spine is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disorders, as well as right and left knee disorders. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left hip disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is granted service connection. The claims for OSA, right knee disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to incomplete or conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The evidence includes VA examinations and medical opinions supporting these findings.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The evidence includes VA examinations and medical opinions supporting these findings.

The claim for service connection of a back condition is remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board will consider all evidence, including VA examinations and treatment records, to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current back condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn, and his claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of left shoulder, left sinus tarsi syndrome disorder, right sinus tarsi syndrome disorder, left ankle condition and right ankle condition.,Service connection was granted for restrictive lung disease, lumbosacral strain condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, bilateral metatarsalgia condition and bilateral plantar fasciitis condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or limitation of motion to a degree warranting a higher rating.,Service connection for sinusitis was denied because there is no current diagnosis of sinusitis, and the Veteran does not have objective indications of chronic disability.

The appeal for service connection of a back condition (also claimed as lumbosacral strain) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various joint and back disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations, which were required by the Veterans Court. The Veteran's assertions include injuries from falls during service and wear and tear from his job as a bridge crewmember.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for central sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for an adequate toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic disease or injury in service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has dismissed all appeal issues as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

Service connection for PTSD, to include depression is granted.,Service connection for blisters of bilateral feet is denied.,Service connection for cervical strain is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff injury is denied.,Service connection for chest injury and lumbar strain are remanded.