Service connection for spondyloarthropathy (i.e., bone spurs and sclerosis) is granted. Service connection for tinnitus remains pending as the evidence does not support a finding of service origin.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current spondyloarthropathy was directly related to her active duty service, while the cause of her tinnitus could not be definitively linked to military noise exposure or any other service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- spondyloarthropathy (i.e., bone spurs and sclerosis), seronegative spondyloarthropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18151089
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 18151089.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing a new VA medical examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks additional vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code, for the pursuit of a Bachelor's degree. The Board has remanded this case due to issues regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employment.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are not related to service or service-connected conditions.
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.