The Board finds that the evidence supports service connection for lumbar spine DDD and degenerative changes, as well as bilateral hip disability. Further examination is needed to determine if left knee and left foot disabilities are related to service.
The deciding factor: Service records show chronic back pain dating back to active duty, with current diagnoses of DDD and degenerative changes. The Veteran's lay statements support his assertions that these conditions began during military service. However, the Board cannot resolve questions regarding etiology without additional examination or evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative changes, bilateral hip disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2017
- Citation
- 1700207
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 1700207.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination opinions and a failure to provide a VA examination for sleep apnea.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral ankle, hip, shoulder, and knee disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder and heat sensitivity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral hip disability and TDIU claim are remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of inextricably intertwined issues.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his claims.
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