The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is denied. The current rating of 10 percent remains unchanged.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as there is no objective medical evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine restricted to 30 degrees or less, or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24023343
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 A24023343.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability (previously rated as degenerative disc disease) was remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 Back Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire. The case is now being remanded to obtain retrospective findings from an appropriate clinician to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's low back disorder, effective March 31, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there were no unadjudicated applications and that a CUE in the August 2013 rating decision did not warrant an earlier effective date.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.
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