The Veteran's initial rating for a lumbar spine disability with IVDS and left lumbar radiculopathy is granted at 20 percent, but higher ratings are denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of other issues.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the Veteran's lumbar spine disability or left lumbar radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Disability with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Left Lumbar Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19167836
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 19167836.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied a rating higher than 20 percent for left lumbar radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 20 percent for his left shoulder disability is remanded.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's initial increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder prior to April 26, 2016 was granted. An increased rating of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder beginning April 26, 2016 was denied. The Veteran received an initial compensable rating (10%) for Left Lumbar Radiculopathy and a 40% rating for his Lumbar Strain Disability starting March 2, 2006. Other issues were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and associated lumbar radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability, including right and left lumbar radiculopathy, is rated at 20 percent since December 30, 2008. The rating reflects the limitation of motion and pain without incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.
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