The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a lumbar spine disability in service or within one year following separation, and the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service. As such, service connection for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine cannot be granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not establish a link between the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability and his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 24, 2011
- Citation
- 1120189
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 1120189.
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 Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine condition is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not yet been considered by the RO.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all appeals related to prostate cancer, right index finger deformity with ankylosis prior to February 23, 2015, painful scar residual of a chin laceration, disfiguring scar residuals of a chin laceration, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's combined rating for these service-connected disabilities is 80 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as he is not shown to be bedridden, permanently housebound, in a nursing home, or helpless due to his disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for adjudication of the claim for TDIU, and the Veteran is advised to provide additional evidence if necessary.
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.