The Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was granted. Increased ratings were granted for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, as well as limitation of extension of the right knee.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis that had its onset during service. Increased ratings were granted based on VA's revised criteria for evaluating musculoskeletal disorders and considering functional loss due to pain, weakness, and incoordination.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, Patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, Patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21077139
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 21077139.
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 Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from April 4, 2009, to July 9, 2015.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for revision of a March 1998 rating decision based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) that assigned an initial noncompensable rating for his right knee condition.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis or for TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have not improved under the conditions of daily life, and his knee conditions are also remanded for further evaluation.
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