The Board granted a 40 percent rating for chronic lumbar strain, restored the 10 percent rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome effective February 11, 2023, and granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability of the right knee. The decision also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from June 8, 2021, and TDIU based on PTSD alone from August 21, 2021, along with SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status from the same date.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding his symptoms and their effects on his daily functioning, as well as medical evidence showing continued functional limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less for the lumbar spine disability. The reduction in rating for the right knee patellofemoral syndrome was found improper due to a lack of actual improvement.

Claimed conditions

cervical strain, right shoulder strain, chronic lumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 31, 2025

Citation

A25094851

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