The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee DJD is currently rated at 10 percent based on limitation of flexion. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the limited range of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s back disability has not resulted in ankylosis and did not manifest in incapacitating episodes requiring medical prescribed bed rest of at least six weeks during the period on appeal.,The Veteran's right knee DJD is manifested by normal extension but limited flexion to a maximum of 35 degrees, with pain. The current rating adequately reflects this limitation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the right knee, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2022
- Citation
- 22026847
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 22026847.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his spine and radiculopathy conditions, have prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder strain as secondary to a service-connected disability and sinusitis, but denied an increased evaluation for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for DJD and instability of both knees but granted separate 20 percent ratings for dislocated semilunar cartilage in the left and right knees.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine disability and TDIU prior to April 25, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
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.