The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back strain, left knee arthroscopy residuals, and right knee disability were denied. The RO confirmed the current evaluations of 20%, 10%, and 10% respectively.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any additional impairment warranting a higher rating based on the veteran's symptoms and physical findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Low Back Strain, Postoperative Residuals of Left Knee Arthroscopy (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction), Postoperative Right Knee Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2005
- Citation
- 0505387
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 0505387.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 13, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's internal hemorrhoids and chronic low back strain have been rated, but the Board has remanded for further evaluation due to additional issues. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for sleep disability and TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher combined rating in excess of 90 percent, effective from July 19, 2017, is denied. The AOJ's December 2017 rating decision correctly calculated the combined total rating as 90 percent.
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