The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective date were denied. The back disability was rated at 20 percent from February 20, 2015, but the claim is not prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current severity of the Veteran's disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of thoracic and lumbosacral spine, Left hip limitation of extension, flexion, adduction, and adduction, Right ankle degenerative arthritis, Left ankle degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23066076
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 23066076.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle degenerative arthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the November 2024 rating decision is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding the adequacy of the VA examination and consideration of the effects of medication on the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA Ankle Conditions examination conducted on September 26, 2024 did not comply with the remand directives and is therefore inadequate. The Veteran's right ankle disability remains under review for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.