The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not show a chronic disability during service or within one year of separation from active duty.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence shows no chronic disability shown in service and the Veteran's current condition is considered to be naturally occurring age-appropriate degenerative changes without a link to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24007862
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 24007862.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint and disc disease, and sciatica, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of at least 70% due to these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective October 2003. Separate ratings of 10 percent each have been assigned for neurological impairment in both lower extremities.
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