The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is denied. The claim for an increased rating for total left hip replacement is granted to a 70 percent evaluation, and the claim for an increased rating for posterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee remains at 30 percent. A separate 10 percent evaluation is assigned for limitation of flexion of the left knee.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was less likely than not related to the service-connected left hip replacement, and therefore denied service connection. The veteran's total left hip replacement is currently rated at 50 percent due to marked severe residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine"}, {"condition_name":"Posterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee","additional_details":"with tenderness and pain at the extreme of flexion with no instability; X-ray evidence of degenerative change."}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

50%

Decision date

July 24, 2006

Citation

0621713

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 0621713.