The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board found no evidence of ankylosis or flexion to less than 30 degrees. The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's hallux valgus and pes planus are both rated as 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or flexion to less than 30 degrees for the lumbar spine, nor did it meet the criteria for a higher rating under the IVDS Formula. The left lower extremity neuropathy met the criteria for a 40 percent rating based on moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Hallux valgus of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2024
- Citation
- A24078376
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 A24078376.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted, but the effective dates are determined based on new evidence received after initial decisions. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for congestive heart failure with cardiomyopathy and hypertensive heart disease and arteriosclerotic heart disease as of September 6, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the regular need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.
- Partly granted
The Board granted increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, left and right ankle disabilities but remanded the claims for other joint conditions due to insufficient evidence.
- Denied
The appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for peripheral vestibular damage with vertigo of the left ear, and remanded for further evaluation of other conditions.
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.