The Board has vacated its April 9, 2010 decision denying the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 and 20 percent for his right knee and low back disabilities. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded to the RO. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-operative right knee plica excision with scars remains denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has been manifested by pain and some limitation of motion, but no instability or other impairment was shown, and the scars associated with the disability were not deep, symptomatic, or of a size warranting a separate compensable rating. The left knee disability did not meet criteria for an exceptional case.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, post-operative right knee plica excision with scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2010
- Citation
- 1032814
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 1032814.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for GERD, left wrist sprain, right knee strain, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder was denied.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical strain with degenerative disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was dismissed as it was not timely filed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinea capitis, hypertension, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine but denied service connection for sinusitis and urinary tract infections. The claims for PTSD, hearing loss, chest pain, right hip condition, left hip condition, and right knee condition were remanded.
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