There would need to be at the minimum, some sort of record of an in or during service event that could be used as the basis for a nexus.
Are there any existing A.O. related awards for anything?
Otherwise, the VA (and most everyone else) will say that the condition is a fairy common problem, and the result of "normal" living, working, and aging. Exceptions relaxing the "rules" do exist, but, from the information given, it sounds like they are not applicable.
As a general comment, remember that the classical military retirement has been 20 and out. That in part is some recognition that military service can be quite wearing.
I'm also currently fighting a back injury denial. There is minimal and possibly ambiguous reference to it in my service records. War zone service, awarded combat veteran status, and so forth that are applicable. The VA at the RO level, naturally denied, forcing an appeal. (Failure to apply combat veteran status rules and law) I'd likely not have appealed, but the rules for certain levels of SMC may be a factor for additional compensation.