The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, post-fusion decompression L5-S1, with scar is denied. An initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted.,Service connection for a neck disorder and TDIU are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, post-fusion decompression L5-S1, with scar does not result in ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), associated objective neurological abnormalities other than his separately service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. Therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, post-fusion decompression L5-S1, Lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20066874
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,676 · Granted: 24% (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 20066874.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for CTS, left, is granted. The claim for a separate disability manifested by left hand pain that is distinct from CTS, left, is denied due to lack of evidence supporting such a condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matters on appeal for the development requested by the Court, specifically requesting that the AOJ obtain private treatment records from Active Health Chiropractic.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for lumbar radiculopathy due to errors in the prior decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to the need for a new VA examination.
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.