Service connection for a lumbar spine herniated disc disability is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for left Achilles tendonitis is dismissed. From April 21, 2010, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Issues related to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced for and against (in 'relative equipoise') a finding that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's lumbar spine herniated disc disease as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine herniated disc, left Achilles tendonitis, cervical spine disability, adjustment disorder, migraine headaches, right upper extremity neurological disability (including radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 9, 2019
- Citation
- 19161790
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 19161790.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
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- Granted
The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches as proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus.
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