The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disorder and his military service, including any period of active duty. The claim was denied.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disorder to his military service or any incident therein.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1340913
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 1340913.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his physical limitations could be accommodated by sedentary employment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's back disability (degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine) is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies (RLE and LLE sciatic radiculopathy) are granted as secondary to her back disability.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is remanded due to a lack of verification of the TERA exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities are due to his service-connected back disability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed due to the absence of a decision addressing tinnitus. The issues of hypertension, sinus condition, bilateral eye condition, right wrist disability, and bilateral hand, arm, elbow, and shoulder disabilities were withdrawn by the Veteran.
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.