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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20053158.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The veteran's DDD at L5-S1 was rated as 20 percent disabling effective September 10, 2002.
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