Service connection for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, including foraminal stenosis and disc bulges at L3-L4 and L4-L5 is granted. The claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for hearing loss in the left ear is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has a current diagnosis of a lower back disability, in-service episodes of strain, and continuous symptoms dating back to his service, which supports service connection for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, including foraminal stenosis and disc bulges at L3-L4 and L4-L5.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, foraminal stenosis and disc bulges at L3-L4 and L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18150064
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 18150064.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to June 19, 2024 and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) due to incomplete development.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine and TDIU were dismissed due to his death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, but the Board is remanded for further development including consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial rating for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted at a 20 percent level, effective prior to August 19, 2021. The appeal is remanded for further development.
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