The Board has granted restoration of service connection for low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that the original decision was clearly erroneous due to insufficient evidence showing permanent aggravation during service.
The deciding factor: The pre-existing lumbar strain is not shown to have been aggravated by service based on conflicting medical opinions regarding its natural progression.
- Claimed conditions
- diffused lumbar spondylosis with advanced multilevel osteoarthritis (low back disability), rheumatoid arthritis of the right lower extremity, rheumatoid arthritis of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20043697
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 20043697.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or incapacitating episodes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the appellant's death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities substantially impairing his ability to work.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.