Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability is not rated higher than 40 percent.,The veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are not rated higher than 10 percent prior to February 3, 2005 and 20 percent from that date.,The veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities are not rated higher than 10 percent prior to February 3, 2005 and 20 percent from that date.,The veteran's degenerative changes with painful motion in both knees do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.,The veteran's service-connected right knee injury does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent prior to February 3, 2005 and 20 percent from that date.,The veteran's degenerative changes with painful motion in both knees do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent after February 3, 2005.,The veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not shown to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of ratings in excess of those currently assigned for the veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability, left knee disabilities, right knee injuries, or degenerative changes with painful motion.

Claimed conditions
compression fracture T-11 with degenerative lipping and radiculopathy, residuals of ligamentous strain and internal derangement of the left knee, degenerative changes with painful motion, left knee, residuals of right knee injury, degenerative changes with painful motion, right knee
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
July 9, 2008
Citation
0822879

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 0822879.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.