Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for worsened disability from cervical spine degenerative arthritis is granted. Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for worsened disability from lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is…

Board reasoning

The Board finds that the Veteran sustained additional disability in the cervical and lumbar spine due to a slip-and-fall at a VA facility, caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable during inpatient treatment. The lay and medical evidence, including the January 2026 opinion, supports that the slip and fall more likely than not caused the worsening, despite earlier contrary medical opinions. On balance, the evidence favors the claimant, and the Board concludes the § 1151 criteria are met for both cervical and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.