The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, which started in service and has continued to the present. Service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's reported histories of consistent back problems were internally consistent, credible, and supported by STRs, establishing continuity of symptomatology for arthritis of the back.
- Claimed conditions
- L5 spondylolisthesis, spina bifida with degenerative disc disease, L4-5 and posterior degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22026423
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 22026423.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete evidence. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed for its nature, etiology, and service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of A&A, as he does not have anatomical loss or use of any extremity that would warrant such a rate.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current L5 spondylolisthesis was incurred during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.
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