The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of his nonservice-connected back disorder as secondary to his service-connected right inguinal hernia, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic low back disability during active service and that the current symptoms are not causally related to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's service records do not show any complaints or treatment for low back pain during his period of active service. The separation examination did not diagnose a recurrent right inguinal hernia, and there is no evidence linking the current low back disability to service-connected postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2008
- Citation
- 0827743
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 0827743.
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
For the period prior to October 29, 2021, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status is denied.,For the entire appeal period, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on need of regular aid and attendance is granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's pain in his back after carrying a rucksack during service is related to his current condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded all issues to the VA for further action. The Veteran's claims are not granted or denied at this time.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded all issues to correct an error in providing the veteran with notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing.
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