The Board granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as spinal stenosis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spinal fusion, and spondylolisthesis, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
The deciding factor: The private examining physician concluded that it is at least as likely than not that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back disability is a continuation of his original low back injury during active-duty military service.
- Claimed conditions
- spinal stenosis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spinal fusion, spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2024
- Citation
- A24064097
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, degenerative arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was dismissed due to non-compliance with claims processing rules.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
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.