The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and her left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if there are any other conditions related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints or treatment for the left knee. Post-service medical records indicate a history of treatment, but no opinion was provided regarding whether this condition may be related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine, Left knee disability (characterized as residuals of a post-operative left knee anterior cruciate ligament defect)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2010
- Citation
- 1033248
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 1033248.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and difficulty in understanding complex commands. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for dependency and indemnity compensation benefits, finding that the liberalizing legislation adding colon cancer to the list of presumptive diseases did not affect the effective date as it was granted on March 26, 2002.
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