The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 14, 2017 and on or after that date. The Veteran's right knee disability was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to June 28, 2013.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% since August 14, 2017 and her right knee disability is rated at 20%.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s lumbar spine or right knee disabilities met the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, Right knee degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21009578
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 21009578.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service connected, effective August 19, 2009. The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent and his TDIU due to MDD is also granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
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