The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS was found to not warrant a higher rating prior to January 28, 2014 and from that date up until May 2017. The current disability evaluation is 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for any higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to his forward flexion limited at most to 70 degrees, which was less than the required 60 degrees for a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1735106
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 1735106.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the October 2025 remand directives and additional medical opinions discussing the ameliorative effects of medication related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, right shoulder, and headache disabilities must be obtained.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to the need for a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his limitations on walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, and sleep disturbances.
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