The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and his right knee and left knee disabilities are each rated at 30 percent. The issue of instability of the left knee remains unresolved.

The deciding factor: The VA examination reports consistently noted limited range of motion in both knees and a history of surgical repairs, which led to the current disability ratings.

Claimed conditions

Manifested by pain, limitation of motion, and moderate incomplete paralysis of the left sciatic nerve, with no evidence of ankylosis, residuals of vertebral fracture with cord involvement or requiring a jury mast, pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome requiring bedrest prescribed by a physician., Manifested by complaints of pain with flexion limited to no more than 110 degrees, with no evidence of limited extension, subluxation or lateral instability, ankylosis, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, malunion or nonunion of the tibia and fibula, or functional impairment., Manifested by pain, flexion limited to 90 degrees, with the most comfortable position being in flexion at 25 degrees, with positive Lachman's test and anterior drawer sign, with no evidence of limitation of extension, ankylosis, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, malunion or nonunion of the tibia and fibula, or functional impairment.

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

June 5, 2006

Citation

0616344

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 0616344.