The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or within one year after service, and concluded that the currently diagnosed lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is not causally connected to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion supported by STRs which noted only pain without a diagnosis of a chronic disease either in service or within one year afterwards.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine (low back) disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2018
- Citation
- 1816247
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 1816247.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the current condition is related to service despite conflicting opinions. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has previously denied the claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain Social Security Administration records that may be relevant to the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining STRs and SPRs.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine (neck) disorder, headaches, and lumbar spine (low back) disorder have been withdrawn. The claim for a low back disorder was denied as there is no evidence of arthritis manifest to 10% within one year of separation from active duty.
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.