The Veteran's initial disability ratings for cervical spine and right knee disabilities have been denied. The VA has granted a separate 20 percent rating for moderate instability and subluxation of the right knee from November 1, 2018 to May 22, 2019.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes for cervical spine disability (DC 5243) or right knee disability (DCs 5003 and 5256).
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Disability, Patellofemoral Syndrome of the Right Knee (Right Knee Disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19179841
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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