Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for cervical strain, insomnia, and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and thoracic compression fracture as VA examinations were deemed necessary but the Veteran refused to attend them. The evidence of record was insufficient to grant the claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and separate ratings for laminectomy and spinal stenosis are not warranted due to pyramiding.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to inadequate VA examination and failure to obtain nexus opinions and treatment records.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for the use of a manual wheelchair during the 2022 calendar year due to wear and tear on his clothing caused by the wheelchair.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for various rating and service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis, a low back condition, and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted as new and relevant evidence has been received, including VA medical records and testimony from the November 2024 Board hearing. The Board finds that his current back disability is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during service and is now granted. The claims for alopecia, lentigo simplex, and a back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of spondylolisthesis L5 spondylolysis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and degenerative arthritis (claimed as a back disability) is granted with an effective date of April 24, 1993.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection. The underlying merits of the claims must be addressed by the AOJ in the first instance, including any additional development that may be warranted.

The Board has found that further development is needed due to the inadequacy of a July 2023 VA mental disorder examination and pertinent September 2023 VA opinion on the matter. The Veteran's insomnia symptoms are considered secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on three conditions (lumbosacral strain residuals, right sciatica nerve pain, and left sciatica nerve pain) has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his representative.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for service connection for a lower back condition and has remanded the claim for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis due to toxic exposure under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of his hip conditions due to inconsistencies in previous examinations and a need for additional medical opinions addressing secondary service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to an error by the AOJ in providing notice of his right to a hearing before the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar condition, tinnitus, and atrial fibrillation have rendered him unable to cook, bathe himself, drive, and require regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected right eye condition, RLE sciatica, LLE sciatica, lumbar strain, and atrial fibrillation have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has denied a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss and has remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathies, and left lower extremity radiculopathy with foot drop. The issues include determining if these conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar condition, finding that there was no evidence showing an in-service injury or disease and insufficient competent medical evidence linking the current condition to his military service.