The Veteran's claim for a 50% rating for lumbosacral spine osteoarthritis has been granted, but the reduction from 50% to 20% was improper due to inadequate VA examinations.,Service connection for bilateral upper extremity condition with pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.
The deciding factor: The reduction from 50% to 20% was improper due to inadequate VA examinations that did not assess the range of motion in active and passive motion, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing conditions.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral upper extremity condition related to service. The earliest post-service evidence of arm pain was reported more than 12 years after discharge from service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"lumbosacral spine osteoarthritis","upper_extremity_condition":false,"lower_extremity_condition":true}, {"condition_name":"fibromyalgia"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19130955
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.