The Veteran's service-connected chronic back strain with a history of degenerative disk disease rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 31, 2006 to July 9, 2014.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were sufficient to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience due to significant functional impairments caused by pain and medications.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic back strain, degenerative disk disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21032395
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 21032395.
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: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain to include thoracolumbar and lumbosacral strain, cervical spine condition, spondylosis, degenerative disk disease, and radiculopathy (spine disabilities). The Board found that these conditions are related to the Veteran's injury during his active duty.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
Your appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claim for mid-lower back pain and degenerative disk disease due to a need for an examination to determine the etiology of the disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed as chronic back strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury sustained during her active military service.
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