The veteran's initial evaluations for his low back disorder and right knee disorders have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The clinical findings do not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, despite some limitation of motion. The veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are rated noncompensably disabling and no higher evaluations have been granted.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, degenerative joint disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2000
- Citation
- 0012501
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 0012501.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 claims for increased ratings for his bilateral hips and right knee are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The VA is required to obtain the Veteran's SSA disability benefits records, provide supplemental opinions regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on his hip and knee disabilities, and correct any duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right knee scar. The RO must attempt to obtain all available private treatment records from the Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to their death.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.
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