The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine. However, the evidence does not support a finding that this condition is related to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the current post-operative status lumbar fusion with degenerative disc disease and arthritis spurring was less likely than not secondary to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2005
- Citation
- 0506603
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 0506603.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, cervical strain, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine have been granted service connection. The claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as the relationship between his current conditions and military service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.
- Denied
The Veteran's employment during the appeal period was full-time and his income exceeded the poverty threshold, making him unable to establish marginal employment. Therefore, he is not entitled to a TDIU.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.