The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings and medical records showed that while the Veteran experienced significant pain, he did not have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine or bowel impairment, which are required for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21069618
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 21069618.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board restored the 40% rating for IVDS and denied a compensable rating for the mid-back scar. The claims for higher ratings and TDIU were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, except for sinusitis which was granted a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of the 20 percent rating for intervertebral disc syndrome effective November 1, 2023, and denied a higher rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the spine, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from September 11, 2014 to January 15, 2017.
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