The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disabilities, including degenerative discogenic and osteoarthritic changes at L4-L5 and a lumbar strain, are related to his active service.
The deciding factor: VA and private treatment records show multiple diagnoses of current low back disabilities. The VA examiner provided an opinion linking these disabilities to the Veteran's in-service complaints and treatment for low back pain, while Dr. Ramirez Lugo opined that the trauma sustained during service caused and aggravated the Veteran's disabling conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative discogenic changes at L4-L5, Osteoarthritic changes at L4-L5, Lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2012
- Citation
- 1235265
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1235265.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for PTSD, to include depression is granted.,Service connection for blisters of bilateral feet is denied.,Service connection for cervical strain is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff injury is denied.,Service connection for chest injury and lumbar strain are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her lumbar spine disability and migraine headaches, have caused her to require regular aid and attendance. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.
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