The Board found that the veteran's DJD of the thoracolumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, and his right knee disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating either. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.
The deciding factor: The veteran's forward flexion in the thoracolumbar spine was found to be within normal limits with no significant improvement over previous examinations, and he does not have favorable ankylosis or limited flexion to 30 degrees or less. For his right knee disability, there is no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or neurological symptoms consistent with it.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Loss of valgus orientation of the right knee with exostosis or osteochondroma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 3, 2007
- Citation
- 0724116
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 0724116.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his DJD of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the functional impairment associated with his condition, without considering the beneficial effects of medication.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for DJD of the right hip with limitation of rotation and adduction, and higher ratings for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, particularly private treatment records from 2006 to 2017.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work experience prior to October 9, 2019.
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