The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his herniated disc at L5-S1 or radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to January 19, 2012, and cervical spine DDD.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's range of motion was within the criteria for a 10 percent rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (General Formula).
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc at L5-S1, thoracic segmental dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2018
- Citation
- 1821895
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 1821895.
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 compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, and the case is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a back condition to be addressed with a new, adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present back disabilities, including lumbosacral segment dysfunction, sacral somatic dysfunction, and thoracic segmental dysfunction. The Veteran's service records do not show an in-service injury, but her post-service treatment records indicate ongoing symptoms.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including a herniated disc at L5-S1. The case is REMANDED for further action.
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