Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's PTSD-TBI with traumatic brain injury is granted a 70 percent disability rating effective November 15, 2018. Service connection for cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and sleep apnea are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, thoracolumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability has been granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent for chronic allergic rhinitis effective October 9, 2023.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to readjudicate the claims for service connection for lower back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded due to an error in the AOJ's decision on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a back disability is denied as the first indication of a claim came within one year following the notice of intent to file a claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, thoracolumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability has been granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent for chronic allergic rhinitis effective October 9, 2023.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link between any such disabilities and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that there is no evidence of chronic in-service injury or disease and no continuity of symptomatology since service. The examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the current diagnoses were related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for back condition, right lower extremity nerve damage, left lower extremity nerve damage, and residuals of a right-hand injury as the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical examinations.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but denied for hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine as secondary to his service-connected spinal fusion is dismissed due to a withdrawal request.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection due to the lack of a valid claim prior to February 23, 2021.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by credible evidence and must be remanded to allow for further review.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 40 percent rating, right knee and left knee disabilities are each granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine conditions as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus due to inadequate opinions addressing aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury during a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee disorders and low back disorder, prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment consistent with his education and experience. The Board found that the combined effects of these conditions made it impossible for the Veteran to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and a rating higher than 10 percent for left ankle tendonitis. The right ankle tendonitis claim was granted.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and did not manifest within one year of separation.