The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disabilities and lumbar strain do not warrant higher initial disability ratings as they do not meet the criteria for more severe disability evaluations based on range of motion or other relevant factors.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or limitation of extension to 15 degrees, nor does it indicate severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability in the left knee. For the lumbar strain, there is no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee strain with degenerative changes, left knee ligamentous laxity with mild instability, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2011
- Citation
- 1140846
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 1140846.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the Veteran requested a withdrawal of his appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to dress, undress, bathe, groom himself, prepare meals, and transport himself without the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance since October 10, 2012.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for left and right knee strain with degenerative changes and instability due to incomplete records from Wadley Regional Medical Center.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee ligament tear with degenerative arthritis, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease of hips and great toes, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.
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