The VA has denied increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected degenerative joint disease of L4-L5, L5-S1 with disc narrowing; fracture of the lateral malleolus of the left fibula; and moderate chronic neck pain. The current evaluations are considered appropriate.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a higher evaluation for any of the service-connected conditions as there is no objective confirmation of muscle spasm or other neurological findings that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease, L4-L5, L5-S1, with disc narrowing, Residuals of a fracture of the lateral malleolus of the left fibula, Moderate chronic neck pain, moderate degenerative changes, with disc space narrowing and foraminal encroachment at C4-C5, and C5-C6, Residuals, status post right total knee replacement for knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2001
- Citation
- 0110058
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 0110058.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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