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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20020210.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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