The Veteran's herniated disc disability has been manifested by incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) having a total duration of less than four weeks during a 12 month period and forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees; the Veteran does not have favorable ankylosis. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for herniated disc (L5-S1) have not been met.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes with physician prescribed bedrest having a total duration of at least 4 weeks during a 12 month period, forward flexion of the spine limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis of the spine, or neurological symptomatology other than radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc (L5-S1), degenerative disc disease, hypertrophic facet arthropathy, canal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2018
- Citation
- 1807014
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 1807014.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
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