The Board denied an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (lumbar spine disability), granted a higher rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability, and did not address the other issues.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was manifested by flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, pain, stiffness, weakness, and flare-ups. For the rating period from June 7, 2012, the lumbar spine disability has been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, pain, stiffness, and flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (lumbar spine disability), chondromalacia patella of the right knee, cervical spine degenerative joint disease with sensory deficits of the upper extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 12, 2015
- Citation
- 1506462
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 1506462.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and chondromalacia patella of the right knee, finding that these conditions were aggravated during active service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased initial rating of 30 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with eosinophilic esophagitis, while denying increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of the left and right knees, a compensable rating for three surgical scars on the left lower extremity, major depressive disorder with anxious distress, and headaches. The Board also remanded several claims for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further review due to inadequate prior examinations and the need for a new evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities, as well as the qualifications of the November 2023 examiner.
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