The veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5257.,The veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, reflecting arthritis with no ankylosis. The RO has not considered whether a higher rating could be assigned based on limitation of motion or other factors.,The veteran's right wrist ganglion cyst is currently evaluated as zero percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The evaluations for the left knee and left wrist disabilities are at their maximum under applicable diagnostic codes, and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation. The right wrist disability does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Status post partial anterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee with residual tenderness, Post-traumatic arthritis of the left wrist, status post left scaphoid fracture, Right wrist ganglion cyst
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2003
- Citation
- 0327903
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0327903.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection due to a grant of service connection in a prior decision, and denied her claims for migraine headaches, PTSD, and a right wrist ganglion cyst.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's right wrist ganglion cyst with residual scar, finding that her symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The claims include service connection for a right wrist disability, including compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, and service connection for a low back disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.