The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence linking his current condition to military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a back disability during service and that any current degenerative joint disease is unrelated to service.,Service connection has been granted for gout, with the diagnosis dating back to active service in 2007.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease is related to his military service. The only medical records indicating any back pain during service were resolved without residuals, and there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for gout has been established as the Veteran had treatment for gout during active duty in 2007.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Gout
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2017
- Citation
- 1723785
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1723785.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and effective dates related to CVA, obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, and gout have been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew his claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a CVA with residuals, an effective date prior to January 14, 2011, for CVA, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea, and an effective date prior to November 7, 2014, for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical examination for his sleep apnea claim. The right knee disability rating issue remains denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied.,His TDIU claim has been granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the August 2019 denial of HISA benefits for installing handrails in a swimming pool was defective and incomplete, as it did not provide proper notice of appeal rights. The claim is being remanded to correct these deficiencies.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.