The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's back disability and a separate, additional 10 percent rating for left knee instability, while denying a compensable evaluation for surgical scars of the left knee and back.
The deciding factor: The October 2020 VA examination found that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to exactly 30 degrees during flare-ups, which is consistent with a 40 percent evaluation; however, there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's left knee disability manifested with slight instability not requiring use of a brace, cane, or walker.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis status post fusion, left knee instability, surgical scars of the left knee and back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25016970
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