The Board denied service connection for spondylolysis and Scheuermann’s Disease, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's back disability existed prior to his entrance into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found clear and unmistakable evidence of no aggravation beyond its natural progression by an in-service event, injury, or illness.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis, Scheuermann’s Disease
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20070502
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination and additional evidence development to determine if there is a nexus between any lower back disability and the Veteran's active service.
- Denied
Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because the evidence did not show a relationship to service. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylolysis was also denied.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back strain with spondylolysis, finding that the medical evidence did not support a higher rating based on forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to medical complexity and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed with additional evidence and a medical opinion.
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