The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, but a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran also seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but this is denied as he does not meet the percentage requirements and there is no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating. Additionally, the Veteran was found capable of maintaining employment that does not require physically demanding tasks.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104449
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 18104449.
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 remands the claims for a cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability as further development is needed to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claims for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatica secondary to IVDS, bilateral plantar fasciitis, a left ankle condition, a left foot condition, and hypertension due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant private treatment records and securing an addendum medical opinion to assess the historical severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since January 31, 2013. Effective October 8, 2019, the Veteran is granted a TDIU.
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