Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Veteran is granted a higher 20 percent rating for his thoracic and lumbar spine IVDS and strain from January 1, 2012 to October 7, 2015. The claim for a higher rating beyond this period was denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran experienced incapacitating episodes of IVDS with total duration of at least two weeks during the past twelve months, warranting a 20 percent rating under the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

Claimed conditions
Thoracic and lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
April 28, 2020
Citation
20029839

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 20029839.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.