The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for her lower back disability, which includes degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, was denied. The Board found that the disability does not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent after February 19, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required by the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2023
- Citation
- 23057745
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 23057745.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of her lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete development. The Veteran is also being asked to undergo further testing to determine if her voiding dysfunction is related to her back disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar strain with DDD and IVDS disability most nearly approximates a 40 percent rating throughout the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.