The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected low back disability and entitlement to a TDIU due to unresolved issues.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, including those related to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) or direct service connection. The Veteran's symptoms do not warrant an increased rating based on functional impairment or IVDS episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23061748
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 23061748.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to June 14, 2017 and for a higher initial rating from June 14, 2017 for lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative disc disease are dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 8, 2013 for the grant of an initial 10 percent rating for residuals of a left tibia fracture is denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial 20 percent rating, but no higher, for residuals of left tibia fracture is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability can be adjudicated. The claims file must be updated with the Veteran's SSA records and earning reports, and the case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative disc disease and entitlement to a rating of total disability due to individual unemployability based upon service-connected disorders prior to August 2, 2010. The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it prior to a decision being made.
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.