The Veteran's initial increased disability rating for IVDS, in excess of 20 percent, is denied. The reduction in the rating from 20% to 10% was restored as it did not impact his overall compensation and actual improvement in function was found.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed no actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18160172
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 18160172.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability, but remanded the issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss. The increased rating claim for IVDS was withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a restored 20% rating for lumbar strain, an increased 40% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a 40% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeal regarding service connection for IVDS was dismissed as moot.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for IVDS, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies (sciatic and femoral nerves), and increased the rating for PTSD and claustrophobia to 70 percent. The right knee condition and erectile dysfunction were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and an initial 40 percent rating for IVDS, while denying higher ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, a residual scar, and bilateral foot disability. The effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits was also granted.
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