The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied as there is no evidence showing flexion limited to 15 degrees.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show the necessary range of motion findings or additional loss during flareups, which were required for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain (back condition), patella femoral syndrome of the right knee (right knee condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22070851
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 22070851.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's back condition was reduced from a 40 percent rating to a 10 percent rating, effective May 1, 2020. The Board found that the reduction was not proper because there was no evidence of actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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