The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and intervertebral disc syndrome of the right lower extremity were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any additional limitation in motion or other functional impairment more nearly approximating the criteria for a higher rating, and the Veteran's lay reports of symptoms were considered. The neurological findings also supported a finding that the disability was mild.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, Intervertebral disc syndrome of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19181274
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,738 · Granted: 17% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19181274.
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: Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluation for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to December 22, 2023, is denied as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome of the left and right lower extremities, as well as for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with herniated nucleus pulposus. Additionally, the TDIU claim prior to August 11, 2009 is also remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's stroke is not considered to be due to VA care, treatment or examination. The Board finds that the event was reasonably foreseeable.
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