The reduction of the disability rating for lumbago, status post placement of spinal cord stimulator from 20 percent to 10 percent effective June 19, 2015, was improper. The Veteran's appeal is granted as the 20 percent rating is restored.
The deciding factor: The reduction in disability rating was based on an incomplete examination that did not fully evaluate the severity of the low back disability under the rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbago, status post placement of spinal cord stimulator
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2022
- Citation
- 22048814
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 22048814.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied due to a lack of current diagnoses.,The Veteran has withdrawn her claims for right pretibial edema, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, difficulty swallowing, and left eye cornea scarring.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar back condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbago has been manifested at its worst by forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, and no ankylosis or the functional equivalent thereof. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance for his spouse, finding that she did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a) due to her ability to leave the house with assistance.
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