The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected ligament laxity of the left knee, right knee with degenerative changes, and right ankle instability. The veteran is also entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent for his major depressive disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence demonstrated that the veteran's service-connected ligament laxity of the left knee, right knee with degenerative changes, and right ankle instability were more severe than initially assigned ratings. The Board found no basis for considering other diagnostic codes or separate evaluations for arthritis or other conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Ligament laxity of the left knee, Degenerative changes in right knee with ligamentous laxity and tenderness, Right ankle instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 3, 2002
- Citation
- 0211206
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 0211206.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's right ankle disability, including instability and tendonitis, is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of marked limited motion or other significant impairment.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle instability and secondary service connection for a right ankle scar. The decision also readjudicates the claim of service connection for the right ankle scar.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to issues with the rating assigned for right ankle instability and arthritis. The Veteran's symptoms have been found to significantly impact his ability to use his ankle, requiring a brace and cane.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected HIV and related conditions have resulted in the effective loss of use of his left foot, meeting the criteria for automobile or adaptive equipment eligibility.
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