The Veteran's claim for a reduction in his disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc disease is remanded due to scheduling issues with the requested VA examination.
The deciding factor: The decision was made based on scheduling conflicts preventing the Veteran from attending a required VA examination, which is necessary to determine the current nature and severity of his lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2020
- Citation
- A20008764
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A20008764.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2020 for the service connection of low back disability and related radiculopathy issues. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted in January 2020.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found the reduction in disability evaluation from 40% to 20% was improper and void ab initio due to inadequate examination for reduction.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, finding that his current disabilities are related to his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective April 11, 2023, and SMC based on housebound status effective the same date.
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