The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to separate ratings for neurological impairments associated with service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, an extraschedular rating for the same condition, and TDIU due to the complexity of the case. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in significant functional impairment that affects his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine has caused significant physical impairment resulting in symptoms such as nocturia, fecal incontinence, and radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities. These conditions have led to a TDIU determination based on their impact on his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Nocturia, Fecal Incontinence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20078531
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 20078531.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for nocturia as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric and lower back disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a urinary disability, claimed as urinary incontinence, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fecal incontinence disability, including as secondary to a pelvic floor disability, is remanded.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
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.