The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for his low back disability was denied, and the Board granted entitlement to TDIU based solely on service-connected low back disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician. The Veteran's pain was considered in determining his functional impairment, but it did not reach the level of severity consistent with unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- L2-3 laminectomy and L2 hemilaminectomy with L5-S1 decompression, failed back syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26040013
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 A26040013.
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 claim for service connection for a back disorder is reopened.,An effective date prior to June 23, 2017, for the grant of service connection for PTSD and DEA is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for failed back syndrome is remanded due to the inadequacy of the July 2017 VA spine examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a failed back syndrome was denied in March 1974. The Board found that the March 1974 decision became final and thus, an earlier effective date is not granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's failed back syndrome, with additional symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, has been rated at 20 percent since December 30, 2009. The claim for TDIU is granted beginning on June 9, 2011.
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