The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 60 percent for service-connected lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is denied. The maximum schedular rating for IVDS under Diagnostic Code 5243 is 60 percent, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability was rated at 60 percent under Diagnostic Code 5243, which is the maximum schedular rating for lumbosacral IVDS. The Board found no evidence to suggest unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine and therefore could not assign a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- July 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19155281
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 19155281.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals as untimely, and no service connection was granted or denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome and strain as additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the disability.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee strains based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in prior rating decisions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.
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