The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative changes at L5-S1 and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected abdominal muscle strain.
The deciding factor: The private medical opinion demonstrated that the Veteran's service-connected abdominal muscle strain caused his abdominal muscles to weaken, which decreased stability in the spine leading to degenerative changes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes at L5-S1, Intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 10, 2022
- Citation
- 22027692
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 22027692.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and a rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a left ankle disability, and an initial rating greater than 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine. The Board found that there was no evidence supporting these claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher initial staged ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his TDIU claim prior to May 10, 2022, are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain SSA records and schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is denied. His claim for a compensable disability rating for hypertension from August 20, 2010, is granted and he is assigned a 10% rating. The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right eye disability is denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.