The Board denied increased disability ratings for lumbosacral strain and right knee PFPS, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 1, 2020.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as his lumbar spine and right knee conditions did not exhibit symptoms warranting such increases. However, he was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 1, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral strain, Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2024
- Citation
- 24031609
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to properly evaluate the current severity of her disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to res judicata, as the issues were previously adjudicated and are now barred from further review.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for claims related to an increased rating and service connection, as well as lack of jurisdiction over a previously granted claim for sinusitis.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted separate ratings of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance, a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o), and a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).
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