The Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating reduction was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored. The compensable rating for PFB is denied. The issues of service connection for residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy, cervical spine disability, increased initial ratings for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, and an increased rating greater than 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability are remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction in the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating was based on an inadequate VA examination report, which is contrary to regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), Cervical spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20031872
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 20031872.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of allergic rhinitis. Service connection is granted for a skin disorder (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) and denied for a chronic cervical spine disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for brain cancer, low back disability, and cervical spine disability due to a pre-decisional error in failing to obtain a radiation dose estimate from the Under Secretary for Health. The Veteran's military service aboard USS ENTERPRISE is considered relevant to his exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine condition had its onset in service and has continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.
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