The Veteran's cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, right knee torn meniscus repair with residual arthralgia (right knee disability), and left shoulder disability were all denied increased ratings. The Veteran's hypertension was also denied an increased rating.,For the initial rating period from April 29, 2016, a compensable limitation of extension for right knee was not met.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms and functional impairment did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The specific findings included forward flexion limitations that were below the required thresholds for increased rating categories.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Cervical Spine Disability","issues_on_appeal":["Increased rating for cervical spine disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Thoracolumbar Spine Disability","issues_on_appeal":["Increased rating for thoracolumbar spine disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Right Knee Torn Meniscus Repair with Residual Arthralgia (Right Knee Disability)","issues_on_appeal":["Increased rating for right knee disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Right Knee Limitation of Extension","issues_on_appeal":["Compensable limitation of extension for right knee"]}, {"condition_name":"Left Shoulder Disability","issues_on_appeal":["Increased rating for left shoulder disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Hypertension","issues_on_appeal":["Increased rating for hypertension"]}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 28, 2020

Citation

20006904