For the period from August 17, 2011 to January 16, 2014 and August 18, 2016 to September 22, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative arthritis of the spine is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, resulting in a denial for higher ratings.,From January 17, 2014 to August 17, 2016, the Veteran's right ankle sprain was limited at most to 30 degrees plantar flexion and 0 degrees dorsiflexion, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating.,From August 17, 2011 to February 11, 2019, the Veteran's status post left arthroscopic meniscectomy with post-operative scarring was manifested by painful motion and limited range of motion, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.,Since April 1, 2020, the Veteran's status post total left knee arthroplasty with post-operative scarring is not manifested by severe weakness, ankylosis, or extension limited to 30 degrees, resulting in denial of a higher rating.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative arthritis of the spine did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than or equal to 30 degrees, resulting in a denial.,The right ankle sprain met the criteria for a 20 percent rating due to marked limitation of motion.,The status post left arthroscopic meniscectomy with post-operative scarring did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was not manifested by severe painful motion, ankylosis, or extension limited to 30 degrees.,The status post total left knee arthroplasty did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was not manifested by severe weakness, severe painful motion, ankylosis, extension of the knee limited to 30 degrees, or tibial or fibular impairment.

Claimed conditions

Herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative arthritis of the spine, Right ankle sprain, Status post left arthroscopic meniscectomy with post-operative scarring, Status post total left knee arthroplasty with post-operative scarring

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

July 22, 2020

Citation

20048838

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 20048838.