Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for SMC-AA/HB and service connection for urinary frequency secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of a VA examination, and the need to determine if any identified recurrent lumbar spine disability had its onset during active service or is related to any incident of service. The examiner must also assess whether it is at least as likely as not that any identified recurrent lumbar spine disability is due to or the result of the cervical spine degenerative arthritis and spondylosis and other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine strain, lumbosacral strain with associated sciatica, bilateral hip and knee disabilities, chronic ankle disabilities, foot problems, hypertension, migraine headaches, MDD, and PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain examinations or opinions where the low threshold of McLendon was met.

The appeal regarding the February 2025 rating decision is dismissed. The Veteran's back pain results in functional impairment and is related to his service-connected neck disability, warranting a grant of service connection for the back disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, cervical neck strain, left knee with torn meniscus, and erectile dysfunction are denied.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded as there was a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an opinion regarding cannabis use disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot condition, sleep apnea, stomach condition (claimed as stomach issues), right ankle pain, lumbosacral strain, and left knee strain due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to address lay statements regarding in-service injuries. The AOJ is instructed to obtain complete service treatment records, correct any duty-to-assist errors, and provide an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are related to heavy, repetitive lifting from his military duties.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for effective dates prior to June 10, 2022, for service connection of various conditions. The appeal is also remanded for further action on some issues.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the VA rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability and a back disability is not supported by adequate medical opinions, and thus remands the case for further development.

A 20% rating for thoracolumbar spine disability is granted from January 7, 2019 to January 20, 2022. A higher rating is denied.,An effective date prior to January 21, 2022 for left lower extremity radiculopathy service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings and service connection were dismissed due to their death. The claims will be dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his service-connected conditions. The case will be returned for a new examination and an updated medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not have its onset in service and is not directly etiologically related to service. The medical evidence showed no chronic disease or injury shown in service, and there was no continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. Service connection has been granted for left ankle strain, right ankle strain, back disability, neck strain, and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's ankle and knee conditions are granted service connection. The Board finds the evidence approximately balanced as to whether these disabilities began in service.,Service connection for right shoulder DJD and impingement syndrome is also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's earlier effective dates for service connection of his lumbar spine, left knee strain, and right knee tendonitis to February 22, 2016.

Your appeal regarding your back condition has been dismissed as you have withdrawn it.

The Board has granted service connection for left big toe gout, right big toe gout, and low back condition effective March 23, 2020. Service connection for chronic nephritis (kidney function) is granted effective August 10, 2022, based on the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but has remanded the cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease and a back disability due to insufficient evidence.