The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left knee osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or a combined range of motion less than 120 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion findings did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, Diagnostic Code 5243, nor did he experience additional functional loss due to flare-ups or guarding.
- Claimed conditions
- Service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (also rated as spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine), service-connected left knee osteoarthritis (also rated as status post strain, lateral compression syndrome, with residual scar)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1748346
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 1748346.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Granted
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