The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, left lower extremity paresthesia (numbness), and Peyronie’s disease with surgical residuals was granted.,Service connection for a cold injury residuals, claimed as hands and feet, is denied.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support finding that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability began during service or is otherwise related to service. The Veteran’s current diagnosis of invertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with a disc bulge was first diagnosed in 2013, and there is no objective evidence linking this condition to his military service.,The Veteran does not have residuals from a cold injury that can be attributed to his active duty service. The August 2014 VA examiner found no objective evidence of a cold injury during the Veteran's service.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, left lower extremity paresthesia (numbness), Peyronie’s disease
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18137103
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 18137103.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, osteoarthritis of the right hand second digit and thumb, asthma, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), prostate cancer with prostatectomy, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, right thigh residual scar, right index finger scar, and abdomen scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted TDIU.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which resulted in a 40 percent rating, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, or functional equivalent thereof.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded due to issues with the Board's analysis of his educational history and work capacity. The case is now being returned for further consideration.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which grants SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. As a result, there is no question left to decide regarding entitlement to SMC by reason of being housebound.
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