The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition and bilateral achilles tendonitis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Veteran had in-service treatment for lower back pain and achilles issues but did not have any chronic issues noted upon separation from service. The Board found the current conditions were not related to his service.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence showing a nexus between the current lower back condition or bilateral Achilles tendonitis and the Veteran's military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Lower Back Condition, Bilateral Achilles Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20049511
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 20049511.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates for tension headaches and lower back condition. The remaining issues of service connection for eye, neck, persistent cough, TBI residuals, and bilateral leg conditions are REMANDED.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a rating of 100 percent for PTSD is granted, and the issue of service connection for sleep apnea is readjudicated. The TDIU issue is dismissed due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The issues of service connection for headaches, lower back condition, and hypertension are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence, including his National Guard service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD, effective April 15, 2019. The Veteran is denied entitlement to a TDIU based solely on his PTSD.
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