Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative joint and disc disease in the lumbar spine, left shoulder condition, and PTSD are all granted. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of degenerative joint and disc disease in the lumbar spine that had its onset during service. However, there is no evidence to support a current diagnosis for a left shoulder condition or PTSD.

The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, bilateral feet, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The claims must be remanded to correct these errors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and left knee disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The Veteran's back disability, rated at 40 percent since March 14, 2022, is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's appeal challenges the competency and qualifications of a VA examiner who conducted an examination in January 2025. The Board is remanding the case to provide the necessary information about the examiner's educational and professional background.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her lumbosacral strain (claimed as low back condition) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will obtain a supplemental opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on her service-connected condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current disabilities are related to his active duty service. The evidence shows that he sustained an injury during service and has experienced chronic lumbar pain ever since.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied as there were no service-connected disabilities that met the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic tendonitis of the right ankle.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, herniated disc, IVDS and spinal stenosis is rated at 40 percent since August 19, 2020. The appeal period did not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain due to an inadequate VA examination and failure to consider the Veteran's lay reports regarding her in-service duties.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection prior to September 1, 2024.,Service connection for bladder cancer and diabetes were also denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and major depressive disorder were granted, but the effective dates are denied.,Service connection was granted for a low back disability (degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis).,The Veteran's claim for lattice degeneration with atrophic holes is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent disability rating for residual scars, status post splenectomy and gall bladder surgery is granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for back disability due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,The Veteran's left knee pain and instability are granted, with the Board resolving the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for a back condition and a right knee condition.,The Veteran's left wrist scar is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7802, with an area of 0.3 square centimeters.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is due to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities, resulting in a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board is requesting additional examinations and medical opinions to determine if his back condition and acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left leg sciatica, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of service connection for degenerative cervical disease (neck disability), right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to neck disability, lumbar spine L4/5 degenerative disc disease (back disability), and sinusitis are remanded due to the need for additional development.