The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability did not manifest during or within one year after separation from service and is not otherwise shown to be related to service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found insufficient probative evidence linking the Veteran’s current low back condition to symptoms he contends he experienced in service.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine, muscular lower back pain, mild degenerative changes, general back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20072438
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right eye dry eyes, cataracts of the left and right eyes, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, left renal arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine, recurrent subluxation of the left knee prior to May 13, 2020, left total knee replacement, disability rating in excess of 60 percent from September 1, 2021, forward for left total knee replacement, DJD of the right knee, right knee instability, burns of the bilateral ankles, linear scar of the left knee, post-surgical tender scars of the left knee, and a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) based upon service-connected disabilities prior to June 14, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that VA substantially complies with its duty to assist the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and trochanteric pain syndrome of both hips due to new and relevant evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The veteran will receive new evaluations.
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.