The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar and thoracic spine, as well as bilateral knee disabilities. The RO continued the current ratings but did not grant higher evaluations.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the veteran’s back conditions were limited to forward flexion with pain throughout the range of motion, without evidence of instability or subluxation in his knees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of Lumbar Spine, Degenerative Joint Disease of Thoracic Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2008
- Citation
- 0834583
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 0834583.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy have been granted a 40 percent rating. However, his right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are remanded for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him permanently housebound since April 7, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of April 7, 2018 for SMC based on his housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether his symptoms manifest as unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, and when these symptoms manifested.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, but the Board found they do not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.
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.