The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's IVDS does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 5, 2013
- Citation
- 1307558
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 1307558.
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 remands the claims for a cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability as further development is needed to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claims for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatica secondary to IVDS, bilateral plantar fasciitis, a left ankle condition, a left foot condition, and hypertension due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant private treatment records and securing an addendum medical opinion to assess the historical severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since January 31, 2013. Effective October 8, 2019, the Veteran is granted a TDIU.
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