The Board denied service connection for lumbar degenerative changes, early Schmorl's nodes, and loss of normal lordosis. The claims to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, right leg, and brain trauma, to include tinnitus were also denied.
The deciding factor: The new evidence did not relate to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claims related to rheumatoid arthritis, right leg, or brain trauma, to include tinnitus, or trigger the duty to assist by providing a medical opinion; and does not raise a possibility of substantiating the claims.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative changes, early Schmorl's nodes, loss of normal lordosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2014
- Citation
- 1413059
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 1413059.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, right knee disability, left knee disability, and lumbar degenerative changes as there was no new and material evidence submitted to reopen these claims.
- Denied
The Veteran's residuals of status post lumbar laminectomy prior to August 16, 2017 were rated at 10 percent and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back injury and left shoulder disability has been granted. The VA is remanding the claims for increased ratings for his elbow, wrist, and knee disabilities, as well as the TDIU issue.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar degenerative changes and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated, but the current ratings are denied as they do not reflect the severity of his conditions.
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.