The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A 10 percent rating is granted for his hernia scar due to pain.,The Veteran's TBI is currently rated as non-compensable. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for his headache disorder secondary to TBI.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating for any of his conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability, as it did not demonstrate forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.,The Veteran's hernia scar is rated as analogous to a painful scar, warranting a single 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.,There are no incapacitating episodes of IVDS that would warrant a higher rating for the TBI. The Veteran’s headache disorder secondary to TBI meets the criteria for a separate 10 percent disability rating.,The evidence does not support additional functional loss or impairment due to pain, weakness, fatigue, incoordination, or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability, hernia scar, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headache disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2024
- Citation
- 24017331
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 24017331.
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.
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. Service connection is being remanded for the lumbar spine disability and right knee and calf disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability related to military service, and for left and right leg radiculopathy secondary to that lumbar disability.
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