The Veteran's left and right ankle degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and ligament instability are both currently rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 20 percent rating for ligament instability of the right knee prior to May 2, 2017, and higher than 20 percent from that date.,There is no specific service connection theory provided in this decision.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left and right ankle degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not show any additional limitation of motion or other symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not show any additional limitation of motion or other symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not show any additional limitation of motion or other symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and ligament instability are both currently rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 20 percent rating for ligament instability of the right knee prior to May 2, 2017, and higher than 20 percent from that date. The evidence does not show any additional limitation of motion or other symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.,There is no specific service connection theory provided in this decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, Degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, Degenerative arthritis of the left knee, Degenerative arthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1756602
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 1756602.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was diagnosed during service and has continued since then. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on continuity of symptomatology.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examinations and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, is related to service and granted service connection for this condition.
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