Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's increased ratings for left and right hip tendinitis, migraines, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain have been granted.

The Board granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD and awarded special monthly compensation, as well as service connection for bowel disabilities, lower extremity radiculopathy, headaches, and back disability. The decision also addressed the Veteran's request for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to his psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spine disability is granted at a 50 percent level, effective from the date of the decision.,The Veteran's initial rating for migraines is granted at a 50 percent level, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back condition, left hand condition, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Board found that there is no evidence of a continuity of symptoms since service or a nexus to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including new medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of October 6, 1997 for service connection of a low back disability is granted. The decision was based on the addition of relevant service records that were missing at the time of the prior denial in February 1998.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and left leg shin splint disability have been granted. The claims for increased ratings for left foot hallux valgus and right foot hallux valgus, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, urinary incontinence, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), hypertension, and sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD, OSA to include asthma, IBS with GERD status post Boerhaave syndrome with scar and s/p cholecystectomy, and chronic lumbar syndrome with degeneration of L5-S1 and anterolisthesis at L5 are all denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for GERD, low back disability, and right shoulder disability. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's entitlement to Chapter 33 educational assistance benefits is established, but he does not meet the requirements for a 100% benefit level due to his discharge being from active duty for reasons other than service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the July 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral flat feet with plantar fasciitis has been dismissed.,A 10 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for left-sided shin splints and right-sided shin splints.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a lower back disability, a higher rating for right knee injury with traumatic arthritis, and an earlier effective date for scar on the right knee. The Board dismissed these issues as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back condition and found the reduction of the Veteran's left knee disability rating from 30% to 20% was improper, restoring the prior 30% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issues of service connection for high blood pressure, headaches, sinus condition, GERD, and a back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active duty or related to any in-service injury.,The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection based on his existing service-connected lumbar spine disability were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, retrolisthesis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as back pain) due to incomplete STRs and SPRs. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar disability.