The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no increase in severity of his pre-existing back strain during active service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show an increase in severity of the Veteran's pre-existing back strain during service.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26027322
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26027322.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 12, 2023.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and acute cervical strain post motor vehicle accident without residuals due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current left hip disability to service, and the low back disability was rated at 10 percent due to its degenerative nature.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis was denied, and the effective date of service connection remains February 15, 2016.,Initial ratings of 40 percent were granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy with peripheral neuropathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy with peripheral neuropathy. The effective dates remain February 15, 2016.
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