The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted, with a disability rating of 20 percent for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and increased ratings denied for traumatic arthritis of the right knee and total left knee replacement.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found to meet the criteria for the assigned disability ratings based on their severity alone, without any need to consider presumptions or other theories of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, Traumatic arthritis of the right knee, status post-right tibial osteotomy, Total left knee replacement with repair of ruptured patellar tendon
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 21, 2017
- Citation
- 1708603
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 1708603.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability. However, these issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.
- Dismissed
The appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and TDIU prior to July 2, 2008. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claim that his current low back disability was related to service.
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