The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability (spondylolysis, L5-S1) based on aggravation by service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to the service-connected low back disability was denied.,The Veteran's low back disability is presumed to have existed prior to service and was aggravated during service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing low back condition was aggravated by in-service injuries, including a motor vehicle accident (MVA) which worsened his condition.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis, L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2026
- Citation
- A26029712
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 A26029712.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected spondylolysis, L5-S1 is shown to be productive of an overall level of functional impairment that more nearly resembles that of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to less than 60 degrees, but not more than 30 degrees. As a result, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent has been granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his fear of hostile military activity during his Vietnam service.
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