The Veteran seeks service connection for ankylosing spondylitis as secondary to his service-connected IVDS, degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.,The Veteran also sought service connection for bilateral sacroiliitis with partial SI joint fusion as secondary to his service-connected IVDS, degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis. The VA examiner opined that this condition is less likely due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.,The bilateral sacroiliitis with partial SI joint fusion is different from the service-connected IVDS, degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis. The examiner found that there was no causative factor/pathological states on each other.
- Claimed conditions
- ankylosing spondylitis, bilateral sacroiliitis with partial SI joint fusion
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 5, 2024
- Citation
- A24043416
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 A24043416.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, including retrolisthesis of L3 over L4 and ankylosing spondylitis (claimed as low back condition) has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's daughter seeks recognition as his child for purposes of entitlement to DIC benefits due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18. The appellant submitted medical records and statements describing her disability, but VA did not provide an extension to obtain additional private treatment records. The Board finds this a procedural error and remands the case.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis affecting his lumbar spine is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine strain, and tension headaches have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history prior to August 30, 2022.
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.