The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied. The initial rating prior to July 12, 2018 was found not to meet criteria for a higher rating. Ratings at 20% and 40% were also denied as of July 12, 2018 and from January 20, 2020 respectively.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine met or approximated criteria for a higher rating prior to July 12, 2018. From July 12, 2018 and from January 20, 2020, the disability was rated at 20% and 40%, respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21007753
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 21007753.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD due to MST and low back pain are granted. The case is remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to a duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) based on his service-connected conditions. However, due to a legal inadequacy and the need for a more detailed medical opinion, the case must be remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back and foot conditions, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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