Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 12, 2016 to November 12, 2018 and from January 1, 2019 to July 22, 2019 due to service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the issues of service connection for an eye disability, increased evaluations for service-connected disabilities, and entitlement to a TDIU due to outstanding treatment records needing to be obtained and medical opinions needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with lumbar strain is granted. The claims for higher initial ratings for GERD, cholecystectomy, surgical scar, and hypertension are dismissed. The issue of service connection for bilateral leg disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because his Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for the July 2019 rating decision was not timely filed.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities are rated at 40 percent disabling since January 28, 2021. The appeal for increased ratings is granted for both legs.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a thoracolumbar spine condition, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and have persisted since.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gout in his bilateral feet, knees, and right elbow, as well as an upper back condition. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for a right shoulder condition.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy in a May 2024 rating decision. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded as a result of this decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to his military service. An additional VA examination is needed to address these matters.

The Board has granted service connection for multilevel facet degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to this condition. The decision is based on credible evidence showing that the Veteran's current back disability developed due to injuries sustained during his military service, and that his radiculopathy is a result of nerve irritation from his now-service-connected back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during his active military service and is related to his in-service marching and carrying of gear.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to rely on his wife for assistance with daily activities, including dressing, bathing, and going up and down stairs. The Board found that the evidence is in balance and granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal of his right ear hearing loss claim is dismissed. His claims for tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and several other conditions are granted. The remaining claims are remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to be related to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU is granted.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia as it was granted in a previous decision. The issue of service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or illness related to his current condition and insufficient continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine, lumbar spine, left shoulder, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The examination results will be used to determine if increased ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was not incurred as a result of in-service disease or injury.,Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, with the diagnosis linked to military service.

The Veteran's appeal seeking revision of the September 15, 2014 rating decision that denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed.