The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD at L5-S1 and left knee disability, as well as the associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for higher ratings, and the Veteran's symptoms were considered in determining the appropriate disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at L5-S1, Left Knee Baker's Cyst, Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain/Tear, Effusion, Osteochondral Defect, Posterior Collateral Ligament Sprain/Tear, and Prepatellar Bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20053158
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 20053158.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected back condition prior to July 1, 2011 was manifested by pain and stiffness with limited forward flexion. The current rating of 20% adequately reflects the severity of his disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by painful limitation of motion and slight limitation of flexion, does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and radicular symptomatology in the right lower extremity was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability, effective October 31, 2008.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's DDD at L5-S1 was rated as 20 percent disabling effective September 10, 2002.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.