The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine with intervertebral disc syndrome status post right L5-S1 microdiscectomy associated with left knee chronic strain and post operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medial meniscus repair was denied as his symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of spine does not result in unfavorable ankylosis, which is required for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of spine, Intervertebral disc syndrome status post right L5-S1 microdiscectomy, Left knee chronic strain, Post operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medial meniscus repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26001148
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26001148.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine and cervical strain due to insufficient medical opinion regarding direct, secondary, or aggravation causation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 2, 2017 and from December 1, 2017 to September 22, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating is denied. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (prior to September 15, 2022) was also denied. However, since September 15, 2022, the Veteran's entitlement to increased level of SMC has been granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine injury, back disorder and OSA. The Veteran's loss of use of both feet due to his ankle disorders is also granted, with a combined rating of 80 percent.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected right and left knee conditions.
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