The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to December 8, 2014 and from July 1, 2016, is not productive of ankylosis with flexion between 10 and 20 degrees, extension limited to 30 degrees or higher, or impairment of the tibia and fibula with malunion and marked knee or ankle disability. Therefore, a rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee status post total knee arthroplasty is denied.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to August 23, 2018 is not productive of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with chronic low back syndrome is denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Status Post Total Knee Arthroplasty, Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine with Chronic Low Back Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20045579
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 20045579.
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).
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