An effective date earlier than March 6, 2013 for a 20% rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is denied.,A 20% increased rating for mild degenerative changes to the right knee, status post arthroscopy (right knee disability), and a separate, additional 20% rating for semilunar condition are granted.
The deciding factor: The effective date of an effective 20% rating for IVDS with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is not earlier than March 6, 2013.,The Veteran's right knee disability warranted a separate, additional 20% rating due to semilunar condition.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine (lumbar spine IVDS), degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, semilunar condition, with frequent episodes of joint 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18139108
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 18139108.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, which is secondary to her degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, has been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board found that VA did not obtain private medical records from Hiro Chiropractic and Springfield Family Physicians, who treated the Veteran during the period on appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of gastrointestinal disability other than umbilical hernia (including irritable bowel syndrome) and back disability. The Board found new evidence relevant to these claims.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal for reductions in ratings for post operative left femur fracture with leg length discrepancy and chondromalacia residuals, and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and opinions regarding the etiology of his ankle, knee, and leg disorders.
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