The Board denied service connection for lower back strain with pain, as the evidence did not establish a chronic disability in service or continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's current degenerative arthritis is not presumed due to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for asbestosis, as there is no diagnosis related to asbestos exposure during service and no current diagnosis of asbestosis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic disability in service or continuity of symptomatology post-service. The VA examiner concluded that his degenerative arthritis was more likely secondary to age rather than service-connected back strain.,There is no evidence of asbestosis during service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis related to asbestos exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back strain with pain, asbestosis, right hand with traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 6, 2021
- Citation
- A21016399
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A21016399.
What this means for you
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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 lung condition, to include COPD, asbestosis, and bilateral pleural plaques due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his current lung condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address service connection and rating issues.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's exposure to asbestos in service caused his condition.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for asbestosis and remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An increased rating to 60 percent was granted effective April 10, 2025.
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