The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with it are both rated at 40 percent. The Board found that these ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions as there was no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or severe radicular symptoms in either lower extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2018
- Citation
- 1817018
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 1817018.
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 has remanded the claims for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically regarding his low back strain with degenerative joint disease, cervical spine condition, left clavicle fracture, and other symptoms. The issues are related to determining appropriate disability ratings based on the severity of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent from May 13, 2008. The Board found that the condition more closely approximated forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, warranting a 20 percent rating. However, ankylosis was not present, thus preventing a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease and TDIU were denied due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease, as his flexion remained above 30 degrees throughout the appeal period. For TDIU, the combined rating of 60% from service-connected disabilities met the threshold criteria but the Veteran was deemed unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
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