Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in all listed service-connected disabilities before a decision on the merits was made.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 2, 2021 for service connection of lumbar degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and scoliosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbar degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and scoliosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for fractured foot, left foot condition (left great toe fracture) was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from May 28, 2015 to June 14, 2017 is dismissed as the claim was not continuously pursued and there is no basis in law to grant TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine as well as degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica).,Service connection is also granted for sciatica, left lower extremity, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. Similarly, service connection is granted for sciatica, right lower extremity, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis with levoscoliosis, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disability and his active service.

The appeal of the service connection for a low back disability is dismissed.,The claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is denied, as there is no evidence showing the disability has most closely approximated IVDS with incapacitating episodes or forward flexion limited to 30 degrees during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's service connection claim for lumbar spine pain is granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for temporomandibular joint disorders, unspecified (also claimed as TMJ pain and dysfunction) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, right calf muscle tear, low back condition, eczema of the right leg, athlete's foot, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left hip condition, and right hip condition due to new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied due to the absence of a diagnosed condition.,Service connection is being remanded for bilateral foot, lumbar spine, knee, ankle, and elbow disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, for thoracic spondylosis with vertebral compression fracture at T7-9 with lumbar strain have been granted. The issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7802. The VA examinations did not adequately address functional loss due to pain, resulting in insufficient evidence for a decision on the increased initial disability rating for degenerative disc disease.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis with vertebral fracture, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and found that the Appellee is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in July 2025. However, due to a revocation of power of attorney shortly before the award of benefits, the fee amount is remanded for referral to OGC.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral pes planus with aggravation, right and left foot disorders other than pes planus, asthma, and right shoulder and left shoulder disorders. The Veteran's claim for a traumatic brain injury has been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability and chronic fatigue, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for headaches, service connection for degenerative arthritis with disc herniation (claimed as lumbar condition), and service connection for cervical condition are all remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.