The Board has denied service connection for a right low back disorder due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury and the absence of continuity of symptomatology. Service connection is granted for inner ear disorders (vertigo and dizziness) secondary to service-connected tinnitus, but further examination is needed as the issue remains pending.
The deciding factor: The Board found no credible evidence of a right low back disorder during or immediately after active duty, with the exception of an injury in 1987. The veteran's service medical records do not indicate any pre-existing condition that could be linked to his current symptoms. Service connection for inner ear disorders is granted as secondary to service-connected tinnitus.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Low Back Disorder, Inner Ear Disorder (Vertigo and Dizziness), Right Shoulder Disorder, Chronic Indigestion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2008
- Citation
- 0833430
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0833430.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, and anxiety disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly regarding his shoulder disorders and nasal surgeries. The claims for service connection have been remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not being granted earlier than November 25, 2019.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent postural perceptual dizziness related to his right eye disorder, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation despite his MBA degree and employment history. The Board granted the TDIU claim effective September 6, 2019.
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