An increased disability rating of 20 percent for the service-connected back disability is granted from September 1, 2015 to April 15, 2021.,An increased disability rating higher than 20 percent for the service-connected back disability is denied from April 16, 2021 forward.,A separate 10 percent disability rating for left knee instability is granted for the entire rating period.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's back disability was manifested by thoracolumbar forward flexion limited to 45 degrees during flare-ups, a combined range of motion of 125 degrees, and pain resulting in abnormal gait. The criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 5237 were met.,The evidence shows that the Veteran's left knee disability was manifested by left knee range of motion from 0 degrees in extension to 110 degrees in flexion or greater, including after consideration of functional loss due to repetitive use over time and during flare-ups. The criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating under DC 5237 were not met.,The evidence shows that the Veteran's left knee disability was manifested by no more than slight lateral instability with subjective reports of instability, but no instability shown on objective testing. A separate 10 percent disability rating for left knee instability is granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Back disability, Left knee disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21061737
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 21061737.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a back disability due to incomplete service records and failure to consider all available evidence, including in-service treatment records from F.E. Warren Air Force Base.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim for bilateral knee disabilities and his right and left knee scars have been granted. He is now rated at a combined 60% disability rating from June 1, 2018 based on bilateral factors for his bilateral knee disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's rating for residuals status post lumbar fusion was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent effective October 25, 2023. The reduction was granted as there was no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition prior to this date.
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