The Veteran's lumbar and left knee degenerative joint diseases were not found to warrant higher initial ratings, with the exception of a 20% rating for lumbar degenerative joint disease from October 28, 2009 through March 26, 2012.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar and left knee conditions did not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA Rating Schedule at any time during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Degenerative Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 23, 2018
- Citation
- 1817512
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 1817512.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, has been rated at 10 percent since January 26, 2011. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability is granted, effective from the date of the decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, including status post reconstruction and degenerative disease, is rated at 20 percent for flexion limitation since January 15, 2019.,An effective date of October 11, 2012, has been granted for the increased rating of 20 percent for left knee status post reconstruction limitation of flexion.,The Veteran's meniscal tear is rated at 10 percent since November 13, 2017.,A separate 10 percent evaluation has been assigned for left knee extension limitation from November 13, 2017.,Left knee instability is separately evaluated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.,Left knee genu recurvatum is rated at 10 percent beginning December 21, 2021.,Painful left knee scars are rated at 10 percent.,An initial compensable rating of zero percent has been assigned for superficial left knee scars since December 21, 2021.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance as of June 5, 2018. His effective date for SMC based on this condition is now confirmed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for a TBI and initial ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent. Initial ratings for his shoulder strains, wrist tendonitis, little finger strain, lumbar degenerative joint disease, knee patellofemoral syndrome, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, and tinnitus are denied.
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