The Board denied service connection for a low back condition as there was no evidence of arthritis to a compensable degree within one year of discharge, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.
The deciding factor: There is no competent or credible evidence showing that the Veteran had arthritis of the low back to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from active duty, and there is no medical opinion linking the current condition to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the low back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18100787
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 18100787.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her low back arthritis is denied, and the claims for increased ratings for her left and right knee disabilities are remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the claims for increased ratings of knee disabilities, ankle disabilities, heart disability, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service. Claims for increased ratings of knee and ankle disabilities, heart disability, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's arthritis of the low back is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 1, 2010. The rating remains granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to incomplete STRs and the need for further medical examination.
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