The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: A private examiner concluded there is a causal relationship between the lower extremities (including the foot) and the lumbar spine disability, which aggravates it. This opinion places the evidence in equipoise, warranting resolution of doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc/joint disease
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18112106
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 18112106.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a rating of 10 percent for lumbar degenerative disc/joint disease was granted, but the appeal to revise this decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his fear of hostile military activity during his Vietnam service.
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