The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar back condition was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active military service. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease was also denied due to the lack of medical evidence showing incapacitating episodes or favorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back pain during service and post-service treatment records do not establish a current disability related to his active military service. The VA examination reports did not show any findings linking the current lumbar condition to service, and the Veteran was unable to report for scheduled examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar back condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1330059
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 1330059.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral knee conditions, bilateral shin conditions, and lumbar back condition was dismissed as it was not timely filed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar back condition is being sent back to the VA for further review. The Board needs more medical evidence to make a decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed. The claim for a lumbar back condition is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar back, left shoulder, and neck conditions are granted service connection. The Veteran's PFB and left knee conditions are denied.
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