The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted since the final denial, but the Board determined that the Veteran's low back disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection as it is not shown to be caused or aggravated by his military service.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the competent and credible evidence does not demonstrate a direct relationship between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current low back disorder, nor does it show that any other theory of service connection (such as secondary service connection) is applicable. The Board found that the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2016
- Citation
- 1619469
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 1619469.
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).
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The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and low back disorders due to potential errors in duty to assist. Additional medical opinions are needed to address causation.
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