The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted, and his effective date for service connection was set at October 29, 2002. The Board found that prior to July 22, 2009, the Veteran had slight limitation of range of motion of the lumbar spine but no incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. From July 22, 2009, his condition was characterized by moderate limitation of range of motion and loss of lateral motion with osteoarthritic changes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to July 22, 2009. From that date onward, his condition was characterized by moderate limitation of range of motion and loss of lateral motion with osteoarthritic changes.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2010
- Citation
- 1038124
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 1038124.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left hand and right hand essential tremors, as well as increased ratings for knee instability, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and degenerative arthritis of the right ankle. The appeal was denied for a left ankle disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development to clarify the Veteran's employment status during the appeal period and determine if a TDIU is warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral foot pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine to obtain additional medical evidence.
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