The Board denied service connection for a degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms since service separation. The claim for entitlement to TDIU was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not manifest within one year following service separation and there is no credible evidence of continuous symptomatology since service.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23054653
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 23054653.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal of his claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, and multiple sclerosis. The increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches was denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to August 3, 2017, and 40 percent since, as well as for bilateral hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disorders of the lumbar spine, bilateral knees, and bilateral hips are in part proximately caused by and aggravated by his service-connected left Achilles tendonitis. The VHA specialist concluded that these conditions were related to the altered gait resulting from the left ankle disability.
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