The Veteran's bilateral hip osteoarthritis is not service-connected, and his lumbar spine DDD results in a 40% rating. Separate ratings are granted for left knee instability (30%) and limitation of extension (10%). The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy does not warrant an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s bilateral hip osteoarthritis was less likely than not due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine DDD. His lumbar spine DDD results in a 40% rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as he has limitation of all other ranges of motion except flexion.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hip Osteoarthritis, Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20021425
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 20021425.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
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- Granted
The Board granted restoration of service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease, finding that the severance of these conditions was improper.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for somatic symptom disorder is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar spine DDD, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastritis are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for gastritis is also remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder, lumbar spine DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and IBS have been granted increased ratings. Service connection for residuals of frostbite has been remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated as part of his service-connected psychiatric disorder, and he does not have a separate rating for these residuals. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee DJD is currently rated based on limitation of flexion only. He seeks an increased rating for limitation of extension.
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