The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for a thoracic spine condition, finding that new evidence supports a link between his in-service injury and current symptoms.
The deciding factor: A medical opinion established a nexus between the Veteran's in-service back hyperextension injury and his current degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Thoracic Spine
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 16, 2018
- Citation
- 1809284
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 1809284.
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 Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which includes the use of a CPAP machine. The appeal for COPD and thoracic spine disability is dismissed as service connection has already been established. Lumbar strain and radiculopathy are denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Blepharitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine was denied. The Board found that prior to February 23, 2011, the disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent and from February 23, 2011, it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.
- Denied
The veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied gastrointestinal disability claim, and the denial of hepatitis was final.
- 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.
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