The appeal for an increased disability rating of PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran, and service connection for a back condition including degenerative arthritis, bilateral L5 spondylolysis, lumbar DDD, thoracic strain was denied due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to active service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current back condition and his active military service, as the onset of symptoms occurred many years after service and there were no chronicity reports during or shortly after service.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Back condition including degenerative arthritis, bilateral L5 spondylolysis, lumbar DDD, thoracic strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25058852
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, and left shoulder, as well as PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee scar was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to inadequate medical opinions and a Stegall violation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD warranted a 70 percent rating from September 1, 2021, to February 3, 2022, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for insomnia, PTSD, and depression due to a need for additional development.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.