The veteran's total combined rating is currently 60%, which does not meet the threshold requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: VA determined that the veteran's arthritis, while limiting his ability to work, did not prevent him from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the neck, Degenerative joint disease of both knees, Degenerative joint disease of thoracic spine, Degenerative joint disease of cervical spine, Degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2006
- Citation
- 0603734
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities. The evaluations were found to be appropriate based on the current symptoms and diagnostic criteria.
- 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.