The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, with IVDS is rated at 20 percent disabling and denied for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion does not warrant an increased evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2021
- Citation
- 21013980
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 21013980.
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: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal regarding earlier effective dates for IBS and IVDS is dismissed.,The reduction in the rating for painful right toes scars is granted, restoring a 10 percent rating from May 3, 2023.,Increased ratings to 20 percent for lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as of October 21, 2024.,Service connection and increased ratings for left hip conditions, right hip conditions, left knee condition, ED, and depressive disorder are granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The effective date of SMC and DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of TDIU was denied as there were no unadjudicated claims for TDIU prior to April 28, 2023. The current effective date is the earliest possible based on the schedular criteria.
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