The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation from 30 to 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was improper, and denied all other issues on appeal.
The deciding factor: The RO improperly reduced the Veteran's disability rating without considering functional loss due to pain as required by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with bulging at L5/S1, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), degenerative joint disease of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2011
- Citation
- 1143018
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 1143018.
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
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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