The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS is currently rated at 20 percent from September 26, 2017, forward. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for this period based on the evidence of record. However, the claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent prior to September 26, 2017, remains pending and requires further examination.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS has resulted in flexion of 70 degrees; no favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; incapacitating episodes; or associated neurologic abnormalities. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for this period.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 10, 2018
- Citation
- 18133201
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 18133201.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right ankle bursitis, left ankle bursitis, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, a 30 percent rating for the right knee condition, and an initial 10 percent rating for sinusitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of the Veteran's wishes regarding his claims.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the evaluation of bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) has been dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have all been granted.
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