The Board granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent, but not in excess thereof, prior to April 9, 2012 for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and denied evaluations in excess of 20 percent from that date. The claims for increased ratings for left and right knee osteoarthritis were also denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, while his knee disabilities did not show sufficient limitation to warrant an initial compensable evaluation or a higher rating based on limitation of flexion or extension.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, Left knee osteoarthritis, Right knee osteoarthritis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 4, 2025

Citation

25013644

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine