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 assigned
- 40%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26040013.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.