The rating reduction to 10 percent for lumbar spine disability was improper, and a 20 percent rating is restored. An effective date prior to April 22, 2019 for the grant of an increased rating of 100 percent for MDD is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work due to his lumbar spine disability. The probative evidence was against finding entitlement to a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with central disc herniation at L4-L5 with mild to moderate central canal stenosis, major depressive disorder (MDD) with mood incongruent psychotic features and unspecified insomnia disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 27, 2020
- Citation
- A20009369
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 A20009369.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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