The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease and disc herniations, as it was less likely than not related to or resulted from the Veteran's military service. The claim for a higher rating for low back strain disorder also failed due to lack of evidence showing such disability had worsened beyond what is reasonably expected.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any link between the current degenerative disc disease and disc herniations and the service-connected low back strain, as they were not caused or aggravated by it.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, disc herniations
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2016
- Citation
- 1639552
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 1639552.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, finding the evidence to be in approximate balance regarding its relation to an in-service injury.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all pending claims and chose to pursue subsequently filed supplemental claims for the same conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the veteran's back disability but remanded the case to reassess the rating.
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