The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, granting service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome, status post laminectomy, lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected total left and right knee replacements and left knee instability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was caused by his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, resulting in a high tibial osteotomy of the left knee and total knee replacements bilaterally which affected the mechanical axis and ultimately caused degenerative changes of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2013
- Citation
- 1330538
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 1330538.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar hemangioma, is granted as service connected. The evidence supports the conclusion that these conditions began during her military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted effective May 13, 2024. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of her completed supplemental claim.
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