The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects limitation of motion to greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees. The Veteran does not have ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia with arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting painful motion without compensable limitation of motion. There are no findings of dislocated semilunar cartilage, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, or meniscal conditions that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc disease and arthritis do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as they do not demonstrate ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS lasting at least 4 weeks.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, Left knee chondromalacia with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2018
- Citation
- 1806308
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 1806308.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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