The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected back scar is denied. The reduction of his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability) from 40% to 20% is upheld, and he is denied a higher rating for the same condition. His entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his right foot is also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to its non-disabling effects. The reduction in his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability) from 40% to 20% was proper, as it more accurately reflects the current severity of his condition. His entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his right foot is denied.
- Claimed conditions
- back scar, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20080077
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,044 · Granted: 21% (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 20080077.
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