Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Marfan's syndrome was dismissed as the appellant withdrew his request.,Service connection is granted for left lower extremity neuropathy of the sciatic nerve (left foot disability) and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The low back degenerative arthritis has also been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, right wrist, headaches, and sleep disturbances as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral knee disabilities as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection cannot be granted because there is no showing of chronicity or continuity of symptoms within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with a rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's back disability remains at a 40 percent rating. The Board finds the evidence does not support an increase to higher ratings.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are each granted initial 20 percent ratings.,Service connection for GAD, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic kidney pain is remanded.,A compensable disability rating (greater than 0 percent) for chronic kidney infections is also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to readjudicate his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, but denied his claim for right knee disorder. The Board also remanded the cases of left leg disorder and lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of neck, back, rhinitis, sinusitis, or migraine headaches disorders. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and thoracolumbar disorder (DDD of the thoracic and lumbar spine) have been granted. The decision also dismisses his claim for a compensable rating for left shoulder injury with pain.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, headaches, and cardiovascular condition are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to contaminated water and other toxins.,The Veteran's left arm, knee, hip, wrist, and low back conditions are also granted as service-connected due to an in-service RTV accident.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an examination, as there are outstanding VA treatment records and a need for clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to January 13, 2022. Effective March 18, 2020, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

Left hand pain and right hand pain have been dismissed as the issues were resolved in a separate March 2026 decision.,Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis has been granted, but left hand pain and right hand pain remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that side effects from prescribed medications contributed substantially and materially to his accidental motorcycle collision resulting in fatal injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bone spurs and arthritis in the feet, concussion with residuals, degenerative disc disease in the lower back, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tendinitis.,The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for a right thumb condition, right hip condition, and lower extremity nerve conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left knee disability, tension headaches, a left ankle disability, and a back disability due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a back disability due to incomplete service records and failure to consider all available evidence, including in-service treatment records from F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The VA will obtain an examination and provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death due to a vehicular accident, which was primarily caused by the driver's negligence and poor visibility conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40% prior to September 28, 2018. From that date, the rating was increased to 50%. The earlier effective date for TDIU is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's past medical history needs to be considered in the new examination.