The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain with spondylosis was denied in a March 1974 rating decision and again in a September 1985 Board decision. The most recent denial is considered final, as the Veteran did not appeal it. New evidence submitted since then does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.
The deciding factor: The new evidence does not provide any information that can be interpreted as a new opinion that his period of active duty aggravated his back condition.
- Claimed conditions
- low back pain with spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2018
- Citation
- 18147219
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 18147219.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back pain with spondylosis is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments.
- Denied
The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation training.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.