The Veteran's service-connected unspecified bipolar disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee conditions. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to August 13, 2019 remains denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric condition is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected lumbar strain, bilateral knee conditions, and peripheral neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified bipolar disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22067088
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 22067088.
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 appeals for a higher rating, compensable rating, and extension of temporary total evaluation for his lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all claims in April 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connection due to continuity and chronicity since it began in service.
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