The Board has determined that the Veteran's current L4-5 and L5-S1 lumbar spine osteoarthritis was incurred in service, granting service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s current lumbar spine osteoarthritis is more likely than not related to his active duty service due to the presence of symptoms during service and a positive straight leg raise test at discharge. The Board also considered the lack of treatment records between service and the early 2000s, finding it plausible that the Veteran did not seek treatment until years after service.
- Claimed conditions
- L4-5 and L5-S1 lumbar spine osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20002391
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 Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.