The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1 with neuropathy of both lower extremities was denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating, and the claim for a temporary total rating beyond June 30, 2003, due to convalescence following surgery was dismissed.
The deciding factor: The service-connected lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent as it did not demonstrate pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome prior to surgery and no ankylosis or separate neurological findings were shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1, Neuropathy of both lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 9, 2011
- Citation
- 1133543
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1133543.
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: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The VA examiners found no evidence of neuropathy in the Veteran's upper or lower extremities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1 was caused by her service-connected bilateral knee and right ankle disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD is granted.,The claims for mesothelioma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neuropathy of both lower extremities, hypertension, and eye disability are being REMANDED for further development.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.