The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 was denied. Her claim for individual unemployability (TDIU) was also denied as her service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of a rating greater than 40 percent for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, and there is no indication that she is unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21041454
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 21041454.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his lumbosacral spine disability was dismissed because he requested and received permission to withdraw his scheduled Board hearing.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for headaches, denied a higher rating for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, and denied an increased rating for PTSD.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his symptoms began during his period of active service deemed as bad conduct and therefore not eligible for benefits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease and degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 are found to be etiologically related to active service, with the Board granting entitlement to service connection.
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