The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including spondylolysis L5-S1, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, is related to his active service. The condition was noted upon entry into service and is considered a new and material issue due to the reopening of the claim based on additional evidence.
The deciding factor: The medical opinions provided by VA examiners supported the Veteran's contention that his low back disability had its onset during military service, with aggravation occurring after discharge. The preexisting condition was found not to have been aggravated by active duty and is considered a new issue due to the reopening of the claim based on additional evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis L5-S1, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 10, 2015
- Citation
- 1538713
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 1538713.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
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