The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder, right-knee disorder, and left-knee disorder have been evaluated at a maximum of 40 percent since December 12, 2018. The claims for increased evaluations prior to that date are denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) in the thoracolumbar spine, and the Veteran's range of motion was found to be limited by pain but not by structural abnormalities such as arthritis. The 40 percent rating is based on the limitation of motion due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine disorder, right-knee disorder, left-knee disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20031693
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 20031693.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors for the issues on appeal and remanded the case. The Veteran is required to report for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus, lumbosacral spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left ankle disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection. The underlying merits of the claims must be addressed by the AOJ in the first instance, including any additional development that may be warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right hip disorder with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues are being remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and lumbosacral spine disorder have been granted service connection, with the Board finding that these conditions are directly related to his active duty service.
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