The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is denied, as there is no evidence showing the disability has most closely approximated IVDS with incapacitating episodes or forward flexion limited to 30 degrees during the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 17, 2023 was denied as there is no competent or credible evidence showing that his disability had most closely approximated IVDS with incapacitating episodes or forward flexion limited to 30 degrees during the past 12 months prior to April 17, 2023.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26000055
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 A26000055.
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to a duty to assist error in the initial rating decision. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS without considering the ameliorative effects of medication, and to provide a retrospective opinion on its severity during the period from October 1, 2011, to October 4, 2023.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder conditions, lumbosacral strain with IVDS, and bilateral hip conditions to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed as the proposed rating reductions were not final and appealable actions.
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