The Veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and hip disabilities were denied. The RO increased the disability rating for the lumbar spine to 40 percent effective December 7, 2009.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any ankylosis or unfavorable spinal deformities that would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine, Traumatic Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the left knee, Traumatic Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the right knee, Residual injury to the left hip, Residual injury to the right hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 27, 2011
- Citation
- 1116372
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 1116372.
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.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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