The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder has been rated at 40 percent since June 2008, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Prior to October 25, 2014, the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was rated at 20 percent. As of that date, it is rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU effective October 25, 2014, but he seeks an earlier effective date for this benefit.,Service connection for fibromyalgia has not been established.,There are no issues regarding service connection or exposure basis.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months, or limitation of flexion to less than 30 degrees for a higher rating on the lumbar spine disorder.,Prior to October 25, 2014, the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months, or limitation of flexion to 15 degrees for a higher rating on the cervical spine disorder.,As of October 25, 2014, the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months, or limitation of flexion to 15 degrees for a higher rating on the cervical spine disorder.,Service connection for fibromyalgia has not been established in this decision.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective October 25, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Disorder, Cervical Spine Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 10, 2017
- Citation
- 1732571
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 1732571.
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 determined that the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected IBS, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for a right foot disorder require further examination and consideration due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as the Veteran was granted service connection effective from the date of his claim.,Service connection for bilateral tinnitus is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder disorders, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral knee disorders, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided in his VA examinations. The claims include tension headaches, a psychiatric disability (diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder), a cervical spine disorder, hand tremors, a lumbosacral spine disorder, a gastrointestinal disorder, and residuals of a hydrocele.
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