MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Direct service connection

OPINION: Direct service connection

Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of thoracolumbar degenerative disk disease that is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the motor vehicle accident during service?

Response: VBMS is reviewed. It is less likely than not that the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disk disease was incurred in or caused by the motor vehicle accident during service. This examiner has reviewed VBMS, including service treatment records (STR) and post service chiropractic treatment records. Separation. exam, dated 2001, is absent for back symptoms or chronic pathologic back condition. This examiner also reviewed the ER documentation following the 1998 motor vehicle accident. Records are absent for chronic pathologic back condition following the auto accident. Chronicity cannot be established. It is more likely that the Veteran's current back condition is related to aging process.