The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected back and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities were denied. The rating for DDD other than IVDS, status post micro discectomy at L5-S1 was not granted as it did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine. Ratings for RLE radiculopathy affecting the femoral and sciatic nerves were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis, while her right lower extremity radiculopathy ratings were not granted as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or associated neurologic abnormalities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Right Lower Extremity (RLE) radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve, Right Lower Extremity (RLE) radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26033273
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 A26033273.
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: Granted
The Board granted service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected DDD other than IVDS and entitlement to TDIU, as the May 2023 VA examination was found inadequate.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a more complete medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by a service-connected condition.
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