The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, while his lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to May 11, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right shoulder disability remains at a 20 percent rating.,The Board denied all increased rating claims as the evidence did not support ratings higher than those currently assigned.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s knee disabilities were limited to less than 60 degrees of flexion, which is consistent with a minimum compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5260. The lumbar spine disability was rated based on pain and not actual range of motion limitation.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Right Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine (prior to May 11, 2021), Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine (from May 11, 2021 onwards), Right Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2022
- Citation
- 22068977
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 22068977.
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: Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial disability rating for her service-connected right shoulder degenerative joint disease and rotator cuff tendonitis is denied as the evidence does not show that her range of motion is limited to less than 25 degrees from the side.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are remanded due to inadequate examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease resulted in functional loss due to pain, instability, and required the use of a walker. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for this condition.
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