The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent from February 24, 2010, to July 22, 2013, and a rating in excess of 20 percent from February 24, 2010, to November 7, 2020, for lumbar strain with lumbar IVDS and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's muscle spasms and pain were severe enough to result in an abnormal gait during the first period, but there was no evidence of physician-prescribed bed rest required by VA regulations for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical records did not show any episodes of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that required bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months during the period from February 24, 2010, to November 7, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with lumbar IVDS and erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21025747
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 21025747.
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).
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