The Veteran's service-connected peripheral arterial disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine are not rated higher than 20 percent, as both conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran has claudication on walking between 25 and 100 yards or trophic changes (thin skin, absence of hair, dystrophic nails) to warrant a higher rating. The degenerative joint disease also did not meet criteria for ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral Arterial Disease, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2021
- Citation
- 21072510
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 21072510.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
- Denied
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted as of January 16, 2010, but not earlier.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication with diminished peripheral lower extremity pulses due to a duty-to-assist error. Additional development is needed, including obtaining treatment records prior to February 2021 and an updated TERA memorandum.
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