The Board denied an increased disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS, as the evidence did not show that the condition more nearly approximated forward flexion at 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine; or IVDS with incapacitating episodes of any duration.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS more nearly approximated forward flexion at 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes of any duration.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2025
- Citation
- A25030392
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy from April 3, 2023 onward, but denied higher ratings prior to that date. Service connection was also granted for alcohol use disorder as secondary to PTSD with traumatic brain injury.
- Partly granted
The veteran's appeal for attorney fees was granted for increased evaluations of lumbar degenerative disc disease and migraines, but denied for radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities and DEA eligibility.
- Partly granted
The veteran was granted a 40% rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and a 20% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve. The veteran was also granted TDIU and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. Service connection for several other disabilities was remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.