The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and multiple nevi, as well as increased ratings for PTSD. The Board found that his current conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's current lumbar spine condition was caused by an in-service injury or disease, nor could it be presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicide agents during service. His multiple nevi were not shown to be related to his military service. The Board also found no new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim for bilateral foot fungus.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, multiple nevi
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 11, 2010
- Citation
- 1021771
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 1021771.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, osteoarthritis of the right hand second digit and thumb, asthma, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), prostate cancer with prostatectomy, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, right thigh residual scar, right index finger scar, and abdomen scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which resulted in a 40 percent rating, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, or functional equivalent thereof.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded due to issues with the Board's analysis of his educational history and work capacity. The case is now being returned for further consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which grants SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. As a result, there is no question left to decide regarding entitlement to SMC by reason of being housebound.
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