The Veteran's lower back degenerative disease and chronic sinus infection are both granted service connection as they are related to his active duty service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities (lower back degenerative disease and chronic sinus infection) are related to his in-service exposure, specifically flying fighter aircrafts which subjected him to high g-forces and rapid decompression events.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back degenerative disease, chronic sinus infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20026567
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 20026567.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 their appeals for tinnitus, DJD of the right foot, and chronic sinus infection. The appeal is dismissed as a result.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory conditions, headaches, and vertigo. The claims will be reopened but not necessarily granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal is dismissed for the issues of service connection for tinnitus, chronic sinus infection, hemorrhoids, and hematuria/kidney disability, as well as a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Service connection for PTSD is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate opinions from the July 2016 VA examination and need further development, including obtaining additional medical records.
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