The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet his claim for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia with degenerative changes is currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran seeks an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 45 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5242 (rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine).
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain with Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Right Knee Chondromalacia with Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20050100
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 20050100.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings related to his right knee disabilities is being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of examination reports and the need for additional evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to March 1, 2016. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's right knee strain has been rated at 10 percent since February 20, 2020. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,Effective from February 20, 2020, the Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warranted a 10 percent rating. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,Beginning from October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warranted a 20 percent rating. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to March 1, 2016, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and vocational history.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee conditions, including instability and chondromalacia with degenerative changes. The Veteran is scheduled for a VA knee examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include right shoulder tendonitis, left knee degenerative joint disease, left knee instability, and right knee chondromalacia with degenerative changes.
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