Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a headache condition, finding that her symptoms began during and have continued since service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disorder. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2024 VA examination and other procedural errors.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, thoracolumbosacral strain, cervical neck strain, left hip strain, right hip strain, and right knee strain.,The Veteran's keratoconus (also claimed as visual impairment) is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, as there are errors in the decision-making process and additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were dismissed as he withdrew his appeals.,Entitlement to an earlier effective date of October 30, 2019 was granted for the award of service connection for chronic kidney disease. The Veteran also received a grant of a 50 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder on that same day.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the entire appeal period, rendering moot any question of a TDIU.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted service connection and effective October 2, 2024.,The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection and effective October 2, 2024. The earlier effective date request for GERD is denied.,The Veteran's sciatic nerve, right leg lumbar radiculopathy is granted service connection and effective October 2, 2024. The earlier effective date request for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's sciatic nerve, left leg lumbar radiculopathy is granted service connection and effective October 2, 2024. The earlier effective date request for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus are all granted service connection.,Service connection for GERD is also granted as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for recurrent dislocation, right shoulder is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability are remanded to allow for further examination and determination of their relationship to service.

The Board has readjudicated the claim for service connection for chronic lumbar strain due to new evidence submitted after the prior final denial. However, it was determined that the Veteran's current condition is not related to service because his actions leading to the injury were considered willful misconduct.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental opinion considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain, effective from March 26, 2023. The condition is currently rated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine due to limited forward flexion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a 40 percent rating effective July 26, 2023, based on his consistent and credible reports of worsening symptoms despite treatment and medication.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck/cervical spine disability, finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not related to active duty service.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. Service connection was denied for right and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the service connection for spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease other than IVDS was granted by the AOJ in December 2025.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability was also denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for a postoperative back scar related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.