The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left knee disorder (to include osteoarthritis), and right knee lateral instability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an initial rating higher than 10 percent for any condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion was within the limits required for a non-compensable evaluation under DC 5242, and there were no additional factors contributing to his lumbar spine disorder that would warrant a higher rating. For the knee disorders, the evidence did not show limitation of flexion or lateral instability severe enough to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"lumbar spine degenerative disc disease"}, {"condition_name":"left knee disorder (osteoarthritis)"}, {"condition_name":"right knee disorder (osteoarthritis, arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and meniscus repair)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005944
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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