The Board denied higher ratings for IVDD of the lumbar spine, LLE radiculopathy, and RLE peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's conditions were found not to meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis or other specific findings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as his range of motion was within the limits required for a 20 percent rating, and he had no evidence of favorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) of the lumbar spine, Left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (RLE)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21042508
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 21042508.
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: Denied
The Veteran's initial and subsequent claims for increased ratings for his back condition, LLE radiculopathy, and RLE radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from March 12, 2014, to October 28, 2019.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals pertaining to effective dates for increased ratings of chronic lumbar strain and LLE radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran did not properly opt into the AMA system.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents during service and associate a TERA Memorandum with the record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and lower extremity radiculopathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 1, 2013 to November 23, 2014. The Board granted TDIU for this period.
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