Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2026

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and remanded the claim of service connection for a breathing disorder due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding proposed reductions in disability ratings for his service-connected back and leg conditions has been dismissed. The appeals were premature as the rating decisions did not contain final, binding agency action.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU are being remanded due to missing medical records from Dr. Miller.

The Veteran's initial 50% rating for migraines is granted. Service connection for right leg varicose veins, right knee, left knee, bilateral shin splints, and neck disabilities are denied.

The Board has denied an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition and has remanded the claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of thoracolumbar spine due to insufficient examination and lack of consideration of functional loss due to pain, weakness, excess fatigability, incoordination, flare-ups, and medication effects.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's statements about his symptoms in service are considered credible evidence of onset.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed. The claim for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and GAD, are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The low back disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was reduced from a 20 percent rating to a 10 percent rating effective December 12, 2024. The appeal for restoration of the 20 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability. The case is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disabilities, finding that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether these conditions were incurred during her reserve service.

The Board has granted readjudication of the previously denied claims for service connection for asthma, low back injury (including right lower extremity radiculopathy), neck disability, headache disability, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased compensation for her right hand injury residuals is dismissed. Service connection and ratings are granted for lumbosacral strain and bilateral hip strains, with a separate rating at 10 percent for each knee based on instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Mid and Lower Back Thoracolumbar Spine due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran is required to be notified of his right to a hearing before the AOJ.

The Veteran's PTSD, bulimia, and GERD claims are remanded. Service connection for acute sinusitis (claimed as chronic sinusitis), lumbar spine pain, left lower extremity sciatic radicular pain & paresthesia, and right lower extremity sciatic radicular pain & paresthesia is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to missed VA examinations and a duty to assist error. The issues of service connection for hallux valgus (bunion), left foot, including as secondary to service connected plantar-lateral of the left foot as secondary to deformity of overlying 5th metatarsal; increased disability evaluation rating in excess of 20 percent for service connected lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease; and increased disability evaluation rating in excess of 10 percent for service connected GERD with gastritis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and lumbosacral spine disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, right ankle plantar fascia calcaneus spur, bilateral pes planus, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received after the July 2015 denial.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tinnitus, left hip disability, right hip disability, low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal during a June 2024 Board hearing.,The Veteran's claim for readjudication of service connection for right hand strain has been granted.