The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the right hip, osteoarthritis of the left hip, and degenerative changes of the pubic symphysis do not preclude substantially gainful employment. The criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities have not been met.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinion that is based on interview and examination of the Veteran and review of his claims file weighs against the Veteran's claim; and there are no medical opinions to the contrary.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the right hip, osteoarthritis of the left hip, degenerative changes of the pubic symphysis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2013
- Citation
- 1333357
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1333357.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 VA examination, where the examiner did not consider the effects of medication on his left hip disability. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining an opinion regarding the severity of the condition without considering the ameliorative effects of medications.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and notification issues. The AOJ must obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's back, hip, and leg disabilities are directly related to his active service or secondary to a previously service-connected condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, cervical strain, plantar fasciitis, and hysterectomy are all found to be related to her service. The Board granted these claims based on direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
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