The Veteran's claim for a restoration of the 20% rating for lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is granted, subject to payment laws and regulations. The claim for a rating in excess of 20% for lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 10% for right knee degenerative joint disease with chondromalacia patella is denied. The claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is denied.
The deciding factor: The reduction from 20% to 10% was improper as the evidence did not demonstrate actual improvement in the Veteran's back disability under ordinary conditions of life and work during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disk disease, right knee degenerative joint disease with chondromalacia patella
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19115637
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 19115637.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to a duty to assist error in the prior VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for service connection of hypertension is remanded. The Board needs a new medical opinion to determine if the veteran's hypertension is related to their service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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.