The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. His right knee condition, including limitation of motion and symptomatic cartilage removal, is rated at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in ankylosis or severe muscle spasm with abnormal gait or spinal contour. The right knee condition was rated based on its specific symptoms and limitations, which were found to warrant a 40 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Right knee limitation of motion, pain, and other functional impairment status post arthroscopy with partial medial meniscectomy and meniscal allograft, Right knee symptomatic cartilage removal status post arthroscopy with partial medial meniscectomy and meniscal allograft
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2024
- Citation
- A24083834
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 A24083834.
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 appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability, left ankle disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine prior to December 21, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from December 21, 2023.
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