The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within the first post-service year, and concluded that any current low back condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear over time rather than military service.
The deciding factor: Service connection for a low back disability was denied as there was no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Veteran's current condition was attributed to natural aging processes.
- Claimed conditions
- low back arthritis, lumbar disease with chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1618200
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1618200.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 remanded the claims for low back arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and left hip arthritis due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for low back arthritis, left knee arthritis, and left hip arthritis. The issues of service connection for sciatic nerve pain, high blood pressure, and right arm skin cancer are remanded due to the failure to obtain VA examinations or opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran is granted an effective date of August 5, 2021 for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for the veteran's left knee arthritis, low back arthritis, and right wrist arthritis. The veteran's claims were based on injuries sustained during active duty.
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