The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for his service-connected musculoligamentous strain of the right knee and lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show arthritis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treated by a physician due to the Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain of the right knee and lumbar spine, which precluded higher ratings based on those criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Musculoligamentous strain of the right knee, Musculoligamentous strain of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2011
- Citation
- 1133021
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1133021.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting the presence of flexion greater than 30 degrees but not exceeding 60 degrees. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected musculoligamentous strains of both knees have been denied. The RO has awarded separate disability ratings for instability of the right knee as part of consideration of the proper rating for service-connected musculoligamentous strain of the left knee.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's musculoligamentous strain of the right knee has been manifested by flexion ranging from 90 to 120 degrees, with pain beginning at 110 degrees; extension that was normal; no decrease in range of motion on repetitive testing; and complaints of pain. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain of the lumbar spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5237.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.