The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability in July 1978, based on the absence of radiographic evidence of lumbar spine pathology at VA examinations conducted after separation from active service.
The deciding factor: The Board found no objective evidence of thoracolumbar pathology on examination and concluded that the Veteran did not have a thoracolumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2017
- Citation
- 1710173
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 1710173.
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 Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine and secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active-duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate notice and an inadequately supported medical opinion, requiring further review of eligibility for PCAFC benefits based on need for personal care services related to service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is granted, as his back disability had its onset in active military service.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) effective December 29, 2011.,The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also granted as of December 29, 2011.
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