An increased rating of 60 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is granted from September 28, 1999 to September 22, 2009.,From September 23, 2009, an initial increased rating of 40 percent for the Veteran’s low back disability is granted. The rating remains at 40 percent after February 1, 2013.,An initial increased rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) is granted from September 23, 2009.,An initial increased rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) is granted from September 23, 2009.,Prior to February 12, 2008, the Veteran’s left knee disability was rated at 20 percent under DC 5258 for dislocated semilunar cartilage. From February 12, 2008, an increased rating of 10 percent is granted under DC 5259 for symptomatic meniscus removal residuals.,From September 28, 1999 to present, the Veteran’s left knee instability is rated at 20 percent under DC 5257.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and moderate limitation of motion in the intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) from September 28, 1999 to September 22, 2009.,From September 23, 2009, the Veteran’s low back disability is manifested by severe limitation of motion without ankylosis or vertebral fracture. The increased rating is granted based on moderate impairment in this period.,The left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) from September 23, 2009, is characterized as moderately severe incomplete paralysis.,The right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) from September 23, 2009, is also characterized as moderately severe incomplete paralysis.,Prior to February 12, 2008, the Veteran’s left knee disability was rated at 20 percent under DC 5258 for dislocated semilunar cartilage. From February 12, 2008, an increased rating of 10 percent is granted under DC 5259 for symptomatic meniscus removal residuals.,The Veteran’s left knee instability during the entire appeal period is rated at 20 percent under DC 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Back Disability, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Knee Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage (Meniscus), Left Knee Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- February 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19110769
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,506 · Granted: 43% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19110769.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
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