The Veteran's back disability, characterized by painful motion with forward flexion to at worst 40 degrees and potential worsening during flare-ups, is rated at 40 percent since April 19, 2013.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner indicated that the Veteran had IVDS but did not have any incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months due to IVDS. The Board found that a 40 percent rating is warranted based on flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being at worst 40 degrees, with additional limitation during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with status post compression deformity fracture of L4 with traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19194576
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 882 · 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 19194576.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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).
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