The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disc disease and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to November 30, 2005 or on or after that date.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed varying degrees of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, but no ankylosis. The Veteran's symptoms were managed with pain management and physical therapy without incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2014
- Citation
- 1400872
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 1400872.
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: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board denies a TDIU for any part of the rating period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the medical evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an extension of the temporary total rating beyond October 31, 2009 for the Veteran's lumbar spine disc disease.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder dislocation with rotator cuff tear, lumbar spine disc disease, and related conditions was denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of these disabilities.
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