The veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disability and an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of a left elbow disability, and there is insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between the current back disability and service.
The deciding factor: The veteran's statements regarding his in-service injury are not sufficient medical evidence of a current disability or a link to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Elbow Disability, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2000
- Citation
- 0028234
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0028234.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disability, back disability, and left elbow disability must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran provided lay reports of symptoms but the VA examiners did not consider these reports in their conclusions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted. The case is remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding his left elbow disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant medical records, including SSA disability records and Federal prison medical records, and request an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as his lumbar spine disorder. The Board found the evidence in balance regarding whether these conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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