The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across the board. The Board found that none of his service-connected conditions met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, including those related to arthritis, DDD, meniscectomy, psychological factors affecting physical condition, hiatal hernia, inguinal herniorrhaphy scar, and erectile dysfunction associated with hypertension.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of thoracolumbar spine, DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) of cervical spine, right knee meniscectomy, arthritis of bilateral hips
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1613810
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 1613810.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were granted, with specific disability ratings assigned. The left knee degenerative joint disease received a separate rating of 10 percent for limitation of flexion and another 30 percent for limitation of extension. For the right knee, prior to April 30, 2014, he was awarded a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion and a 30 percent rating for limitation of extension. From June 1, 2015 onwards, his total right knee replacement received a 60 percent disability rating. The Veteran also received TDIU prior to October 28, 2010.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding clarification from Dr. J.M.H. on his November 2015 private medical evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected knees.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and tinnitus. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
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.