The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back disorder was denied as the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records did not document any incapacitating episodes of IVDS or unfavorable ankylosis during the rating period.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine, disc disease L5-S1, degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1406606
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1406606.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left knee strain with degenerative changes, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his lumbar spine disability, right leg radiculopathy, and scars are being remanded due to procedural errors. The VA will need to correct these issues before the claims can be reconsidered.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition, claimed as Schmorl's nodes and degenerative changes, is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board requires the AOJ to obtain inpatient treatment records from Tripler Army Medical Center and provide medical opinions regarding the cause of his cervical spine disability.
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.