The Veteran's recurrent kidney stones are service connected. However, his back disability is not service connected as it does not appear to be related to an injury in service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the current low back disability was less likely than not caused by a coccyx fracture or other condition in service.
- Claimed conditions
- recurrent kidney stones, residuals of a fractured coccyx with residual low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0939209
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 0939209.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for kidney disease, to include recurrent kidney stones, due to a duty to assist error and to obtain new medical opinions regarding direct and secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for kidney stones, finding that the Veteran's symptoms became manifest within one year of her separation from active duty.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for recurrent kidney stones and chronic kidney disease is granted, with an effective date of May 10, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and recurrent kidney stones, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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.