Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has found that the VA examinations conducted prior to the rating decision on appeal were inadequate and requires a new examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been submitted to readjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypogonadism and lumbar spine disability. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is denied as less likely related to his active-duty service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further evaluation due to daily flare-ups resulting in painful forward flexion limited to 55 degrees, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is remanded as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating of over 10 percent.,The Veteran's left knee disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected, as there is at least a reasonable doubt about whether it had its inception during active duty.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is denied a rating in excess of 10 percent.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral) has an effective date prior to March 29, 2021.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral) has an effective date prior to August 24, 2023.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic) has an effective date of December 13, 2019.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic) from December 13, 2019 to the present is rated at 20 percent.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral) from August 23, 2023 to the present is rated at 20 percent.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic) has a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of his military service records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted service connection. The Veteran's pes planus disability remains at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. The Veteran's chronic headaches, plantar fasciitis, and right hip disability are remanded for further development. The Veteran's left ankle disability is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury, finding no current disability and not related to service.,For right wrist condition, neck pain, lumbar strain (back condition), acquired psychiatric disability, and migraine headaches claims, the Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability based on aggravation during active duty. The claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence supports a nexus between the current condition and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral arthritis, and left knee patellofemoral arthritis due to procedural errors in obtaining information about the qualifications of a VA examiner and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and denied service connection for an upper back condition, left elbow condition, right shoulder condition, and skin conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability, neck disability, and left knee condition are all granted as service connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy are also granted as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's headaches, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, and frozen right shoulder have been granted service connection. The lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and sinusitis have also been granted service connection.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability has been denied due to lack of in-service injury or continuous symptoms since separation from service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for service connection of a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran contends that her current lumbar spine pain and disability is related to an injury during active duty training in 2014.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis have been granted with effective dates of February 16, 2023, and August 10, 2022 respectively. The remaining claims are denied.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as a lumbosacral strain, mild disc degeneration at L5-S1, and chronic pain syndrome, is granted as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, bilateral knee strains with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and lumbosacral strain. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service injuries and his long-term military service, including multiple jumps as a parachutist.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including a right foot disability. The Board grants SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and PTSD are so severe that he requires regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.