Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the claims for ovarian cancer and back disability due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Appellant's service connection claims will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.

The Board has restored the original disability ratings for left knee strain and lumbosacral strain, finding that the reductions were improper due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has granted the restoration of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), effective May 1, 2020. The decision was made due to procedural errors in the previous termination decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a lumbosacral strain (low back disorder). The cervical strain claim is denied.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for various conditions, including bilateral knee replacements and radiculopathies. The reduction of the 30 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, but has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip femoroacetabular joint osteoarthritis with avascular necrosis (right hip disability) and lumbar strain with degenerative changes (lower back disability).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for combined ratings in excess of 70 percent from October 29, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and in excess of 90 percent from February 23, 2016, to March 16, 2020, for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability, but has remanded the claim for Lumbar Spine Disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinion regarding whether the neck disorder is secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and a thoracolumbar spine disability. The rating for major depressive disorder remains at 70 percent. TDIU during the appeal period is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and right knee disabilities, as well as secondary service connection for a left knee disability. Additional medical opinions are needed to address causation and aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is not more nearly approximated by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, or unfavorable ankylosis. The claim for a higher rating for this condition remains denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence or further development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of the Veteran's back and right knee disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions in prior examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to provide authorization for treatment records from a university hospital.

The Board has granted service connection for a degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal fusion and spinal stenosis, finding that all reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran. The temporary total rating based on convalescence following lumbar spine surgery is also remanded, as is the TDIU claim.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right foot plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and disc herniation is granted.

The Veteran's neck disability is related to service and granted. The Board also remanded cases for back, radiculopathy, insomnia, and vertigo.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as a psychiatric disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,VA will obtain any outstanding private treatment records related to the Veteran's disabilities and schedule him for new examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis C, lumbar DDD with strain, osteomyelitis, and loss of use of right foot disability rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. Effective October 28, 2008, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC under various provisions.