The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected lumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating in any of these cases.,The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent disabling based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees and combined range of motion of at least 120 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with full extension to at least 65 degrees, including during flare-ups and after repetitive use over time. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with full extension to at least 80 degrees, including during flare-ups and after repetitive use over time. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,On or after July 14, 2016, the Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with dorsiflexion to at least 9 degrees and plantar flexion to at least 20 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,On or after July 14, 2016, the Veteran's left ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with dorsiflexion to at least 9 degrees and plantar flexion to at least 20 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence of record does not demonstrate that the Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in functional impairment or limitation of motion more nearly approximating forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The right and left knee disabilities are currently rated based on painful motion with full extension and limited range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right ankle strain, left ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24006748
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 24006748.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle strain and right foot condition, finding no current disability related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.
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