The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to March 1, 2016. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's right knee strain has been rated at 10 percent since February 20, 2020. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,Effective from February 20, 2020, the Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warranted a 10 percent rating. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,Beginning from October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warranted a 20 percent rating. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to March 1, 2016, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and vocational history.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's bipolar disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not result in total occupational and social impairment.,The right knee strain was manifested by pain on motion. The claim for a higher rating is denied because the disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent under DC 5260 or DC 5261.,Effective from February 20, 2020, the Veteran's right knee instability warranted a separate 10 percent rating. The claim for a higher rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5260 or DC 5261.,For the period prior to October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not demonstrate forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of less than 30 degrees and did not cause incapacitating episodes as defined by VA. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,Beginning from October 27, 2022, the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine demonstrated pain and limitation of motion but did not demonstrate forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of less than 30 degrees or cause incapacitating episodes as defined by VA. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to March 1, 2016, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and vocational history.

Claimed conditions

Bipolar Disorder, Right Knee Strain, Low Back Strain with Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

July 26, 2023

Citation

23040960

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 23040960.