The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for IVDS and CES with recurrent low back strain, as well as CES with incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, were denied. The Veteran was previously granted a 20 percent rating prior to May 21, 2019, and a 40 percent rating from that date.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited range of motion with additional functional loss due to pain and weakness, but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either the General Spine Formula or IVDS Formula.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDS), Cauda equina syndrome (CES)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19183825
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 19183825.
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
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