The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 2, 2001 for the 20 percent disability rating and April 12, 2006 for the 40 percent disability rating for healed compression fractures T8 and T9 with degenerative changes to L4 and L5, herniated disc, arthritis, lumbar spine strain was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 12, 2006 for the grant of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with involvement of sciatic nerve of the left and right lower extremities was denied.
The deciding factor: The increase in the severity of the Veteran's spine disability warranting a 20 percent evaluation was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to October 2, 2001.
- Claimed conditions
- healed compression fractures T8 and T9 with degenerative changes to L4 and L5, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with involvement of sciatic nerve of the left and right lower extremities, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine at C4-7, bilateral feet bunions with hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18124702
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 18124702.
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).
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.