The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 40 percent, and his left ankle degenerative joint disease and tendonitis are rated at 20 percent. The temporary total rating for the right knee disability from April 29, 2014 to June 30, 2014 remains in effect. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition and the Veteran's employment status did not meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Strain, Left Ankle Degenerative Joint Disease and Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 1, 2018
- Citation
- 1813098
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 1813098.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine strain, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, lumbar spine strain, and depression as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board requires an adequate VA examination to clarify whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to require the aid and attendance of another.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and lumbar spine strain, as well as her claim for service connection for hypertension, are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Her TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with these other claims.
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.