The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and DJD of the right knee were denied. The VA found that the disabilities did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, with no functional impairment or additional limitation due to pain.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and DJD of the right knee did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating as their symptoms were within the scope of a 10 percent evaluation based on their current functional impairment without additional limitation due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1410946
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 1410946.
What this means for you
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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 appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability, left ankle disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for DJD and instability of both knees but granted separate 20 percent ratings for dislocated semilunar cartilage in the left and right knees.
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