This letter tells you about your entitlement amount and payment start date and what we decided. It includes a copy of our rating decision and statement of the case that gives the evidence used and reasons for our decision. We have also included infonnation about additional benefits, what to do if you disagree with our decision, and who to contact if you have questions or need assistance.
Your Award Amount and Payment Start Date
Your monthly entitlement amount is shown below:
TOTAL VA BENEFIT
AMOUNT WITHHELD
AMOUNT PAID
EFFECTIVE DATE
REASON FOR CHANGE
$1,085.00
$277.00
$808.00
Dec 1, 2012
Retired Pay Adjustment, Compensation Rating Adjustment, Combat Related Special Compensation, Cost of Living Adjustment
1,124.00
285.00
839.00
Feb 1, 2013
Minor Child Adjustment, Retired Pay Adjustment
1,140.87
288.06
852.81
Dec 1, 2013
Combat Related Special Compensation, Cost of Living Adjustment, Retired Pay Adjustment
We are paying you as a veteran with 3 dependent(s). Your payment includes an additional amount for your spouse Sharon and your children Christian and Cameron. Let us know right away if there is any change in the status of your dependents.
You Can Expect Payment
Your payment begins the first day of the month following your effective date. You will receive a payment covering the initial amount due under this award, minus any withholdings. Thereafter, payment will be made at the beginning of each month for the prior month. For example, benefits due for May are paid on or about June 1.
What We Decided
• Service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine is granted with an evaluation of 20 percent effective November 7, 2012.
• The initial 10 percent evaluation assigned for left knee arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome (previously evaluated as chondromalacia with degenerative changes in the patella of the bilateral knees).
• The initial 10 percent evaluation assigned for right knee arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome (previously evaluated as chondromalacia with degenerative changes in the patella of the bilateral knees) is proper.
Your overall or combined rating has increased to 50% effective November 7, 2012 and then increased to 60% effective August 30, 2014. We do not add the individual percentages of each condition to determine your combined rating. We use a combined rating table that considers the effect from the most serious to the least serious conditions.
This is a full grant of benefits sought on your appeal for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine. Therefore, your appeal for this issue is considered satisfied and has been closed.
We have enclosed a copy of your Rating Decision and Statement of the Case for your review. It provides a detailed explanation of our decision, the evidence considered, and the reasons for our decision.
We enclosed a VA Form 21-8764, "Disability Compensation Award Attachment-Important Information," which explains certain factors concerning your benefits.
