The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine DDD and strain with scoliosis were granted a 20 percent disability rating prior to July 24, 2017. From that date forward, the claim for an increased rating was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that prior to July 24, 2017, the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine DDD and strain with scoliosis had not been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less; favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and strain with scoliosis, Right knee osteoarthritis, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21015571
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 21015571.
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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