The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The right knee patellar tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, while the left knee patellar tendonitis is also rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings as they are all rated based on limitation of motion and instability under appropriate diagnostic codes. The maximum rating available for each condition has been assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, patellar tendonitis right knee, patellar tendonitis left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21022672
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 21022672.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. A separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy in each lower extremity is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates related to his bilateral leg conditions.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating as of October 6, 2011, based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 40 percent, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating. The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed reduction in the rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease was dismissed as it is not a final action.
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