The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and right knee degenerative joint disease do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor was there ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's range of motion findings were within the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 3, 2012
- Citation
- 1226876
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 1226876.
What this means for you
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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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral hips and right knee are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The VA is required to obtain the Veteran's SSA disability benefits records, provide supplemental opinions regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on his hip and knee disabilities, and correct any duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right knee scar. The RO must attempt to obtain all available private treatment records from the Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic.
- 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.
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