The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica (now claimed as peripheral neuropathy). The most probative evidence did not show a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service.,The Board also found that there was no continuity of symptomatology related to arthritis of the low back since service.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient medical evidence linking the Veteran’s current disabilities, including thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica (now claimed as peripheral neuropathy), to his military service.,The Board also noted that there was no continuity of symptomatology related to arthritis of the low back since service.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, right lower extremity sciatica (now claimed as peripheral neuropathy), left lower extremity sciatica (now claimed as peripheral neuropathy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2023
- Citation
- 23011838
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 23011838.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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