The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent from September 1, 2006 to February 10, 2015 and at 40 percent from February 11, 2015 to present. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating during this period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula or IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes due to lack of additional functional loss and no incapacitating episodes in the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 16, 2017
- Citation
- 1722493
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 1722493.
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 Board granted a 40 percent rating for the low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy from July 6, 2022. Service connection was denied for a cervical spine disorder.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board vacated its November 30, 2023 decision and remanded several claims for further development.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates because the VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (NOD) was not timely or valid, and thus did not comply with claims-processing rules.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional medical opinions to determine the extent of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability during the period from November 2011 to November 2021, and for consideration of entitlement to TDIU.
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.