The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disc herniation and degenerative joint disease, as well as the ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from performing the physical acts required for employment.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or symptom presentation analogous to unfavorable ankylosis, and the Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as moderate rather than moderately severe or severe.,The Veteran has a combined disability rating of 60 percent, which satisfies the threshold requirements for disabilities with common etiology. His service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disc herniation, degenerative joint disease, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21005381
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 21005381.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left wrist fracture, bilateral hearing loss, Type II diabetes, bilateral glaucoma, OSA, cervical disc herniation, and other musculoskeletal issues are denied.,Service connection is not established for any of the claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis and thus not warranting a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on the need for convalescence due to his service-connected left great toe hallux valgus and degenerative joint disease has been dismissed because this issue was already decided by the Board in January 2026.
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