The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was not rated higher than 20 percent prior to October 16, 2017 and higher than 40 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's left knee strain did not warrant a compensable rating prior to October 16, 2017. From October 16, 2017, he was granted ratings of 10 percent for instability and painful, limited motion.,Bilateral hearing loss has not warranted any compensation at any point during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as defined by the schedular criteria for thoracolumbar strain prior to October 16, 2017. The Veteran's left knee strain was not manifested by instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or genu recurvatum.,The evidence did not show ankylosis in the thoracolumbar spine after October 16, 2017. The Veteran's left knee strain was not manifested by instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or genu recurvatum.,The evidence did not show ankylosis in either ear for bilateral hearing loss.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar strain, left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18160643
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 18160643.
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: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to untimely filing of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the merits as they have no jurisdiction.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, shin splints of the right leg, and shin splints of the left leg are being remanded due to a failure to obtain VA examinations and medical nexus opinions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluations for left knee strain, limitation of extension and flexion were both denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.
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