The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the right knee is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s low back disability manifested forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less but not ankylosis throughout the entire period on appeal. The Board finds the evidence prior to July 2015 VA examination to be in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran demonstrated forward flexion to 30 degrees or less during that period.,The evidence shows that the Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy manifested moderate incomplete paralysis throughout the entire period on appeal. The Board finds the evidence prior to July 2015 VA examination to be in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran had moderate radiculopathy in his right and left lower extremities.,The evidence shows that the Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy manifested moderate incomplete paralysis throughout the entire period on appeal. The Board finds the evidence prior to July 2015 VA examination to be in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran had moderate radiculopathy in his right and left lower extremities.,The evidence shows that the Veteran’s meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the right knee manifested limitation of flexion during the entire period on appeal. The Board finds the evidence prior to July 2015 VA examination to be in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran had a meniscal tear with effusion and locking of the right knee.

Claimed conditions

Low back disability, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the right knee

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

December 26, 2019

Citation

19196338

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 19196338.