The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, and he also had his secondary psychiatric disorder claim denied. The TDIU issue is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating under either the pre-amended or amended spine regulations for IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine, nor was there objective evidence of nerve impairment related to his service-connected condition that would warrant a greater than 40 percent rating. The psychiatric disorder claim was also denied as it was not shown to be proximately due to his service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the thoracolumbar spine, an acquired psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2008
- Citation
- 0818250
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0818250.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a failure to obtain relevant private medical records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified issues for remand related to service connection claims and effective date determinations. The appellant's appeal includes multiple conditions, including a headache disability, left ankle and foot disabilities, low back disability, knee degenerative joint disease (DJD), neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Board is directed to address the issues of service connection for these conditions and determine appropriate effective dates.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection and rating for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder. The Veteran's mental health issues were not found to be related to his military service.
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