The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms, while painful, did not result in additional functional loss more nearly approximating limitation of motion to 30 degrees or greater, which would warrant a higher rating. The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was rated based on its forward flexion and muscle spasm, neither of which met the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Limitation of Flexion, Degenerative Disc Disease of Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20027345
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 20027345.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee limitation of flexion and for an initial compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension due to stable symptomatology throughout the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee limitation of flexion and extension, finding that no new evidence was received prior to the assigned effective dates.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and extension are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,A VA examiner is required to provide an opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of pain medication on the Veteran's left knee condition.
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