The Veteran's low back pain syndrome and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis were evaluated, with the Board finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 20% for the low back condition and 10% for each knee condition prior to specified dates.,No new or material evidence was presented to reopen any previously denied claims.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted during the appeal period did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, extension limited to 10 degrees or more in either knee, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's complaints were noted but did not result in functional loss equivalent to such findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back pain syndrome, Degenerative arthritis of the knees (right and left)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2018
- Citation
- 1807015
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 1807015.
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: Denied
The Veteran's low back pain syndrome with L4-L5 discogenic disease and herniated disc is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening or establishing these claims.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied prior to September 26, 2003. As of that date, the Veteran's condition warranted an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. The Veteran was granted TDIU as of September 26, 2003.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back pain syndrome, finding that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
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