The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his service-connected left knee DJD with cartilage dysfunction and lumbosacral strain have been granted, but the claims are denied as he does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on instability or limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability in the Veteran's left knee, nor did they find incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. The X-rays showed osteoarthritis and degenerative changes but no ankylosis or impairment of the tibia and fibula.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) with cartilage dysfunction of the left knee, Lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2011
- Citation
- 1145719
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 1145719.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a deficiency in the April 2024 VA medical examination, specifically regarding passive range of motion testing for pain.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disorder, diagnosed as DDD and a lumbosacral strain, has been granted service connection. The Board found that the disability is related to his military service.
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