The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2026
- Citation
- A26036821
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 A26036821.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his back disability, but the VA examinations from the period under review are inadequate. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's back disability during the period under review.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology since service and concluding that his current disabilities are more likely related to an in-service injury than to his military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, status post lumbosacral strain; radiculopathy, femoral nerve, left lower extremity; radiculopathy, femoral nerve, right lower extremity; and tibial stress fracture status post strain, right knee are denied.
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