The Veteran's increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied as the evidence does not show incapacitating episodes or moderate to severe symptoms.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show the Veteran suffered from incapacitating episodes of IVDS that required bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months, nor did it show moderate to severe radiculopathy symptoms as per VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, Bowel dysfunction, Bilateral foot disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18146196
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 18146196.
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 Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to an error in the initial decision process. The AOJ needs to provide notice of his right to a hearing before issuing a final decision.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and whether proposed reductions in ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities were proper. The appeals are dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy on the basis of CUE in the February 1996 rating decision have been denied. The May 2022 rating decision is also dismissed as it failed to grant service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
New and relevant evidence has been received, including medical opinions from Dr. D.W. regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder and from Dr. G.S. regarding the bilateral foot disability and hypertension. The AOJ will readjudicate these claims.,The AOJ will also readjudicate the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability based on new evidence submitted by the Claimant.
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