The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his left knee and hand disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent or 40 percent, respectively.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed no limitation of motion beyond what was considered normal for a service-connected disability, with full extension and flexion within limits. The veteran's subjective complaints were not supported by objective findings such as guarding or apprehension.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain, Residuals of Left Hand Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 17, 2006
- Citation
- 0601209
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 499 · Granted: 18% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0601209.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The reduction of the rating for service-connected left knee strain from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back and right knee disabilities due to improper filing deadlines.
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