Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The rating reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was proper, and the appeal for restoration is denied.,The rating reduction from 10 percent to 0 percent for left hip sprain with limitation of extension was proper, and the appeal for restoration is denied.

The deciding factor: The proposed reductions were based on VA examinations and other contemporaneous evidence which showed improvement in the Veteran's conditions. The findings did not meet criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,The proposed reduction from 10 percent to 0 percent was based on a February 2015 VA examination, showing improvement compared to previous examinations.

Claimed conditions
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Left Hip Sprain with Limitation of Extension
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
August 27, 2019
Citation
19166312

Veterans Law Judge

A. ISHIZAWAR

Decisions by this judge: 1,797 · Granted: 20% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)

Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.

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 19166312.

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.

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.