The Veteran's cervical spine condition was rated at 20% effective August 28, 2018. The lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was rated at 40% effective April 26, 2018.,Effective September 9, 2016, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity were granted service connection. The right knee osteoarthritis and left knee strain have been rated at 20% since their respective effective dates.,The reduction in ratings for the knees was restored to pre-reduction levels.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine condition improved with a TDIU claim, leading to an increased rating from 10% to 20% effective August 28, 2018. The lumbosacral strain was rated at 40% as of April 26, 2018 due to worsening symptoms.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity were granted effective September 9, 2016 based on increased rating claims. The right knee osteoarthritis and left knee strain have been rated at 20% since their respective effective dates.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical degenerative joint disease, Radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, Lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, Right knee osteoarthritis, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20049496
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 20049496.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee strains with shin splints due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to assess the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, including during flare-ups.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is granted, with a 30 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis (flexion) and left hip strain, osteoarthritis and bursitis based on painful motion are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis is also denied.
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