The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for intervertebral disc protrusion L4-5 and prolapse L5-S1, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The Veteran's thoracolumbar back disability is now considered to be related to military service.
The deciding factor: A February 2010 medical opinion supports a finding that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar back disability was caused by military service.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc protrusion L4-5, prolapse L5-S1, degenerative changes of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2014
- Citation
- 1412646
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 1412646.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate range of motion assessments in previous examinations.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of the assigned disability ratings have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for major depressive disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, including degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, lumbar spondylosis, and lumbar spine DDD, had its onset in service and has been continuous since separation. Therefore, service connection is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and impairment of the right lower extremity as a residual of epidural abscess of the thoracic spine are granted with specific ratings, while TDIU for the period from March 28, 2007 to April 13, 2007 is granted.
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