The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right-sided radiation of pain, as well as bilateral chondromalacia of the knees, were denied. The Veteran's lumbar condition is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, while his knee conditions are noncompensably (zero percent) rated.
The deciding factor: The VA medical examinations did not show any incapacitating episodes or other factors that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes. The Veteran's lumbar condition was rated based on limitation of motion, with forward flexion to at least 60 degrees, extension to at least 15 degrees, right lateral flexion to 25 degrees, left lateral flexion to 30 degrees, and a combined range of motion totalling 190 degrees. His bilateral knee conditions were rated based on limitation of extension, with no more than 40 percent disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right-sided radiation of pain, Bilateral chondromalacia of the knees
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2010
- Citation
- 1021926
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 1021926.
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
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