The Board denied compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional lumbar spine disability due to treatment at a VA medical facility in June 2014, finding that the Veteran's current service-connected back disability already warranted compensation.
The deciding factor: The weight of the competent and probative evidence is against finding the Veteran manifested an additional lumbar spine disability due to treatment at a VA medical facility in June 2014. The Veteran was already receiving compensation for his service-connected low back degenerative changes, so he did not qualify for additional benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Claimed conditions
- low back degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20021625
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 20021625.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for left hip arthroplasty, right hip arthroplasty, low back degenerative changes, neck C5-C6 fusion with ankylosis, and a right knee condition.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a low back disorder was dismissed due to his death, as the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back degenerative changes are related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back degenerative changes are due to injuries sustained during his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
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