The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and TDIU due to lack of evidence showing aggravation during service, as well as the absence of any new disability.
The deciding factor: Service connection could not be established because there was no increase in severity of preexisting kyphosis or degenerative disc disease during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Kyphosis, Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1409147
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 1409147.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran was found to be unable to self-sustain in the community due to his cognitive decline and multiple physical disabilities, requiring continuous personal care services each time he completed three or more activities of daily living.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and respiratory condition due to potential exposure to burn pits during his service in Afghanistan. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to burn pits under the PACT Act, and VA must provide an examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current disabilities related to this exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to his service, specifically during periods of active duty training. The AOJ must obtain new medical opinions and provide the Veteran with information on the qualifications of the December 2019 examiner.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent prior to July 2, 2010 and has not met the criteria for higher ratings.
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.