The Board finds that the Veteran's statements about the continuity of his back pain since service are credible, and that the condition was incurred in service. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran has a back condition that is attributable to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported consistent complaints of back pain since service and sought medical treatment for his back condition since separation from service. The earliest medical record showing a pertinent post-service diagnosis was an MRI in 1993, which forms the main basis for the VA examiner's negative nexus opinion. However, the Veteran reported not having MRIs or CAT scans done in the 1970s.
- Claimed conditions
- Back pain, Degenerative disc disease, Osteoarthritis, Spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1447439
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 1447439.
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
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in him needing regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his back disability, but the VA examinations from the period under review are inadequate. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's back disability during the period under review.
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