The Veteran's internal derangement of the left knee is rated at 40 percent, but no higher. A separate rating of 10 percent for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage has been granted. The Veteran's osteoarthrosis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine are each rated at 30 percent. Migraine headaches do not warrant a higher rating. TDIU was granted from February 18, 2016 to May 2, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's internal derangement of the left knee is currently rated based on limitation of motion (flexion limited to 30 degrees and extension limited to 30 degrees). The rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage has been granted at a separate 10 percent. Osteoarthrosis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine are each rated at 30 percent based on limitation of motion (flexion limited to 30 degrees or less in both cases). Migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not result in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Claimed conditions
- Internal derangement of the left knee, Osteoarthrosis of the lumbar spine, Osteoarthrosis of the cervical spine, Migraine headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20043917
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 20043917.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased initial disability rating for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed due to an improper concurrent election.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability evaluation for migraine headaches was restored to May 12, 2021 after the reduction in rating was found not proper.
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