The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative changes in his lumbar spine are at least as likely as not related to service, and thus service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: The VHA expert concluded that it was at least as likely as not that the degenerative changes in the Veteran's lumbar spine were due to in-service events, including heavy lifting during his military occupational specialty of generator mechanic.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Changes of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2018
- Citation
- 1808847
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 1808847.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's MDD and lumbar spine disability ratings, as well as his TDIU eligibility. The Veteran's claims are now effective as of March 15, 2012.
- Granted
The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective December 22, 2011. A TDIU based solely on the service-connected lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities is granted since January 15, 2010. Effective December 22, 2011, SMC at the 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) rate is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted. The rating assigned is 10%.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.
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