The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, and a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted. The myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine received a 20 percent rating, while instability of both knees received separate 20 percent ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings as his range of motion did not reach levels that would warrant an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20020210
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20020210.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's myofascial pain syndrome was not found to require continuous medication for control, be episodic with more than one-third of the time present, or be refractory to therapy. Therefore, a compensable initial rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claims for myofascial pain syndrome and a seizure disorder were remanded.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, myofascial pain syndrome, a back disability, and a neck disability as new and relevant evidence had not been submitted. The claims were remanded for further action regarding groin pain, fibromyalgia, and TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for myofascial pain syndrome. The decision is binding only with respect to the specific issues decided.
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