The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied, and the Board found that there is no medical or lay evidence documenting symptoms approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The issue of a separate evaluation for bowel incontinence secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain disability was remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes as required by the IVDS Rating Formula.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, bowel incontinence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21065589
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 21065589.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's bowel incontinence is rated at 60 percent, but not more. The Board also granted a TDIU prior to January 18, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
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