The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, as new and material evidence has been received. However, the claim remains denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current degenerative arthritis of the spine to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability was also denied in July 1978. The Board found that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to his current condition, and the current findings are not linked to service.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the spine to service. The separation examination was negative for any complaints or diagnoses related to a back disability, and there were no relevant findings on x-rays until several decades after service.,The Veteran did not have an in-service injury or disease related to his right shoulder condition. Service treatment records are negative for any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses relating to a shoulder problem.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine, Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1545896
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 1545896.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD due to MST and low back pain are granted. The case is remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service.
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.