The Veteran's L1 compression fracture and associated DJD of the lumbosacral spine are related to his combat service.
The deciding factor: A private doctor opined that it was more likely than not that the Veteran's L1 compression fracture occurred during service due to combat situations, while a VA examiner implied that such an injury would be related to service if noted. The Board found these opinions credible and consistent with the evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a L1 compression fracture, DJD of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2017
- Citation
- 1700404
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 1700404.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all service connection claims for various shoulder, wrist, ankle, and spine disorders. The claim for a headache disorder was reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. Secondary service connection was granted for migraine headaches related to PTSD. Service connection was established for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, with the exception of his persistent adjustment disorder which has resulted in a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's DJD of the left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine are related to service. However, there is no evidence linking rheumatoid arthritis to service.
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