The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The September 2024 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service due to no in-service injury and progression of degenerative disc disease due to hereditary factors, lifestyle choices, and work environment. The Board found this opinion probative.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2025
- Citation
- 25013655
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