The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS was denied. The Board also found that a TDIU prior to August 9, 2014 was not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of IVDS having a total duration of at least four weeks during the past 12 months. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to August 9, 2014 was denied as he had not been precluded from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 27, 2019
- Citation
- 19196397
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 19196397.
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.
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The Board granted an initial 40 percent rating for incomplete paralysis of the left sciatic nerve and denied a higher rating, while remanding service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.
- Denied
The Board determined that the severance of service connection for PTSD, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, radiculopathy, left lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and tinnitus was proper due to clear and unmistakable error in the initial award.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for restoration of higher ratings and service connection for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support an improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD and an initial 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS, while denying service connection for a left shoulder disability and other conditions.
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