The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, including DDD and DJD with IVDS, is currently rated at 20 percent. The right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the low back disability has been granted a separate evaluation of 10 percent. No increased evaluations are warranted for the neck disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected low back disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent under any applicable diagnostic code, as his range of motion and functional impairment do not warrant such a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD), Degenerative joint disease (DJD), Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21009858
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 21009858.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to an error in the initial decision process. The AOJ needs to provide notice of his right to a hearing before issuing a final decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disorder, diagnosed as DDD and a lumbosacral strain, has been granted service connection. The Board found that the disability is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and whether proposed reductions in ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities were proper. The appeals are dismissed.
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