The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243 for IVDS. The other issues have not been granted as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology and examination findings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243 for IVDS. The other issues have not been granted as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology and examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease L5-S1, right leg sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2016
- Citation
- 1603559
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 1603559.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examinations, including those related to his lumbar spine and right leg sciatica. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and service connection for various conditions was dismissed due to concurrent election.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
All appeals for service connection and higher disability ratings were dismissed due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a back disability and right leg sciatica, finding that the Veteran's back disability caused his obesity, which in turn led to his back disability (via intermediate step), and that his back disability is also directly related to his hypertension. The right leg sciatica was found to be secondary to the back disability.
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