The Board denied the appeal to restore a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with lumbar spondylosis, as there was actual improvement in the disability.
The deciding factor: The reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent was proper based on improved ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, as demonstrated by the November 2021 VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with lumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25033750
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of January 1, 1995 for the awards of service connection for asthma, lumbosacral strain with lumbar spondylosis, left Achilles tendinitis, tension headaches, and left hip strain.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.