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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1806308.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain updated VA treatment records and any relevant private treatment records. The Veteran must provide authorization for these records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under DC 5276.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his right ear corresponds to Level I and left ear to Level V on the VA audiometric tables. The highest rating available is zero percent.,The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia with arthritis is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 5260 for flexion limited to 115 degrees and extension limited to 115 degrees without ankylosis or instability.,The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia with arthritis is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 5260 for flexion limited to 115 degrees.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability, right and left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy, and cervical spine disability are all granted service connection. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent for the period from August 27, 2007 to July 21, 2013. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to conflicting evidence regarding the extent of his disability during this time.
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