Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. However, the claim is denied because the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current lumbar spine condition is related to his active service.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no medical evidence supporting a nexus between the Veteran's in-service back strain and his current degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus, which was diagnosed seven years after discharge from active duty.

Claimed conditions
lumbar spine condition
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
December 28, 2018
Citation
18161050

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 18161050.

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.

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.