The Veteran's lumbosacral disability was denied an evaluation greater than 10% prior to January 2, 2019 and a rating greater than 40% from that date.,The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals were also denied an initial evaluation greater than 20%. The RO found the condition secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy and lower urinary tract symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not find evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome, which are required for a higher rating under DC 5237. Additionally, there were no incapacitating episodes of IVDS.,The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals were found to be secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), not due to the January 2011 surgery.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral disability, bladder cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2020
- Citation
- 20032978
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 20032978.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral and right knee disabilities due to a failure to obtain adequate secondary service connection opinions regarding these claims. The new opinions must address both causation and aggravation, considering the Veteran's theory that his current conditions are related to his service-connected right ankle disability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's prostate and bladder cancer rating was reduced from 100% to 40%, effective December 1, 2025. The Veteran withdrew his appeal at a Board hearing held in April 2026.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 31, 2023.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus II, ischemic heart disease, and bladder cancer due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure during service.
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