The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and DDD of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine with sensory neuropathy and radiculopathy (claimed as nerve disorder/neurological signs and symptoms), is presumed to have existed prior to service. The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity occurred during service, thus denying service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pre-existing lumbar strain did not undergo an increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, DDD of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine, sensory neuropathy, radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23054717
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 23054717.
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 appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted. The claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and residuals of head injuries and concussions are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right hand arthritis and left hand arthritis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve have been remanded.
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