The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence showing that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, despite conflicting medical opinions regarding current diagnosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not linked to her period of active duty as there was no indication of such a condition during or within one year after service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it is related to an in-service injury.,While conflicting medical opinions exist regarding the Veteran's current PTSD diagnosis, credible supporting evidence from sources other than her service records (such as behavior changes following the claimed assault) corroborates her account of the stressor incident.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18153166
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 18153166.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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).
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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