The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The right shoulder tendinitis with impingement syndrome and right knee osteoarthritis are both denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. A separate rating of 10 percent for instability of the right knee from February 11, 2015 is granted. Right hip tendonitis with painful motion and limited flexion does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be of such nature and severity as to prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment, thus granting TDIU.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s lumbosacral strain more nearly approximated flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees with repeated use over time. The right shoulder tendinitis with impingement syndrome and right knee osteoarthritis did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on range of motion or instability. Right hip tendonitis was found to have symptoms that more nearly approximated painful motion and limited flexion, warranting a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were determined to be severe enough to prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, right shoulder tendinitis with impingement syndrome, right knee osteoarthritis, right hip tendonitis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

August 23, 2019

Citation

19165709

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 19165709.