The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 10, 2021 and from that date onwards. The left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Radiculopathy of both lower extremities were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, when evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on forward flexion being limited to greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees or the combined range of motion being less than 120 degrees. The left knee disability also did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21076368
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 21076368.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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