The appeal for service connection for COPD, a right hand disability, and a left hand disability was denied. The appeal for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was dismissed. Service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease with dextroscoliosis, and invertebral disc disease (IVDS), as well as knee instability, was granted with specific ratings.,The Veteran's right hand disability is not related to service.,The Veteran's left hand disability is not related to service.,The appeal for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been dismissed.,A 40 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease with dextroscoliosis, and invertebral disc disease (IVDS), was granted from February 22, 2022. A 20 percent rating for right knee instability and left knee instability was granted from March 7, 2021.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's COPD and her military service. There is no indication of COPD during service or within one year after discharge, and the first evidence of COPD appears in 2014.,There is no evidence to suggest that the Veteran's right hand disability is related to her military service.,There is no evidence to suggest that the Veteran's left hand disability is related to her military service.,The Veteran withdrew her appeal for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during a May 2025 hearing.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease with dextroscoliosis, and invertebral disc disease (IVDS), as well as knee instability, more closely approximate the criteria for higher ratings from specific dates.

Claimed conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Right hand disability, Left hand disability, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease with dextroscoliosis, and invertebral disc disease (IVDS), Right knee instability, Left knee instability, Degenerative joint disease with limited extension of the right knee, Degenerative joint disease with limited extension of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease with limited flexion of the right knee, Degenerative joint disease with limited flexion of the left knee

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 10, 2025

Citation

A25087951

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