The Veteran's rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective March 1, 2023. The Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The improvement shown on a September 14, 2022 VA back examination did not reflect an improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under the ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2024
- Citation
- A24079428
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 A24079428.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and denied an initial compensable disability rating for tinea pedis of the right foot.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is granted an increased rating to 40 percent, and no higher, as of May 4, 2021. The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation at the '(l)' rate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and knee disabilities, as they may be related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The AOJ is instructed to request additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by the service-connected foot disabilities.
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