The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) was denied, as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. A separate rating for painful bowel function as a neurological manifestation of DDD was also denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS that would warrant higher ratings under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), bowel disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21041156
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21041156.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD, as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the now service-connected lumbar spine condition. The decision is based on a finding of relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding SSA disability benefit records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, including as aggravated by service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD).
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than the specified dates have been dismissed due to their death.
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