The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is granted. The claim for an increased rating of 30 percent for tinea versicolor, prior to September 16, 2014, is also granted. However, the claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea versicolor, from September 16, 2014, is denied. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) warranted a 40 percent rating, which was granted. The tinea versicolor claim prior to September 16, 2014, met the criteria for a 30 percent rating and was granted. However, from September 16, 2014, no higher rating could be assigned as the condition did not affect more than 40 percent of the entire body.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Tinea versicolor
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20068583
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,249 · Granted: 37% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20068583.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on housebound status and aid and attendance due to insufficient evidence regarding his need for regular aid and assistance.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates, as well as service connection for a disability manifested by memory loss claimed as a neurobehavioral effect due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating from June 30, 2021. The left ankle disability and tinea versicolor are denied ratings in excess of the current 10 percent. Bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.
- Dismissed
The claims regarding reduction of the disability ratings for low back strain and left knee degenerative joint disease have been dismissed.,The claim regarding reduction of the disability rating for tinea versicolor remains on appeal.
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