The Veteran's service-connected traumatic degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and weakness of the lower extremities are not rated higher than their current levels.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations have consistently shown that the Veteran’s disability does not warrant a rating in excess of his current ratings for traumatic degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine (20 percent prior to February 5, 2011; 40 percent beginning February 5, 2011) and weakness of the lower extremities (20 percent each).
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, Weakness of the right lower extremity, Weakness of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1131407
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 1131407.
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 claims for PTSD with depression, diabetes mellitus, and weakness of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine their current severity and etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been remanded and will be reconsidered in light of the effective dates granted for his service-connected multiple sclerosis.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection of Multiple Sclerosis and an increased rating for Degenerative Arthritis of the Right Knee were denied. The appeal is unclear regarding whether a TDIU claim was also addressed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation, including a comprehensive VA examination.
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.