The Veteran's degenerative joint/disc disease and IVDS of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are currently rated at 40 percent, based on obstructed voiding symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s degenerative joint/disc disease and IVDS did not meet criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of ankylosis or severe muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait. The current 20% rating is the highest available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.,The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, specifically obstructed voiding symptoms, met the criteria for a 40% rating as they required use of absorbent materials more than four times per day.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint/Disc Disease, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Prostate Cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20036855
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 20036855.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the rate of 50% for his service-connected conditions from April 20, 2020 to June 7, 2021.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's hypertension and prostate cancer residuals (voiding dysfunction) have been granted increased ratings of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the November 2024 rating decision was not adjudicating previously pursued claims.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.
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