The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chronic left/right knee strain have been rated at their maximum allowable levels, with no additional disability ratings granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or Diagnostic Code 5260/5261. The Veteran's symptoms, while painful, do not warrant additional disability ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine"}, {"condition_name":"Chronic Left Knee Strain"}, {"condition_name":"Chronic Right Knee Strain"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19191531
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 19191531.
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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- Granted
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