The veteran's current 60 percent rating for low back strain with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 is upheld, while his left patella cyst status post arthroscopy and bone graft from the proximal tibia remains rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it is already at its maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic code. The left knee condition, however, meets the criteria for a separate 10 percent rating based on slight instability and no clinical evidence of painful or limited motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 29, 2002
- Citation
- 0210782
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 0210782.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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