The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of low back, right leg radiculopathy, upper back disorder, bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral hip disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran sustained a fall from an open hatch on the USS Iowa during service, resulting in injuries including abrasions under his arms, right and left heels, right thigh, and right calf. The VA examinations found current diagnoses of lumbar spine DJD, right lower extremity radiculopathy, osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and ankles, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hips and feet. These conditions are considered to be at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury.
- Claimed conditions
- low back (lumbar spine) disorder, right leg radiculopathy, upper back (thoracic or cervical spine) disorder, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral foot disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2018
- Citation
- 1805431
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 1805431.
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 case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hip disorder are related to his service-connected Crohn's disease.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that side effects from prescribed medications contributed substantially and materially to his accidental motorcycle collision resulting in fatal injuries.
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.