The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee arthritis, a left index finger condition (ankylosis), and postoperative hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate ankylosis or extremely unfavorable limitation of motion that would warrant separate ratings for the left index finger condition. For the left knee, the evidence supported a 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion. The veteran's postoperative hemorrhoids were found to have no objective symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Arthritis, Status Post Medial Meniscectomy, Left Index Finger Condition (ankylosis), Postoperative Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2006
- Citation
- 0614533
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 0614533.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the direct payment of attorney fees for service connection and increased evaluation of OSA with asthma, but denied it for other conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an evaluation of 20 percent, but not in excess thereof, from February 13, 2009 to February 28, 2017 for left knee arthritis manifested by dislocation of the semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking' pain and effusion into the joint. The Board also granted an evaluation of 10 percent, but not in excess thereof, from February 28, 2017 to January 7, 2018 for left knee instability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for various conditions and granted an initial 20 percent rating for right lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, while remanding several other issues.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the left and right knee arthritis as the evidence did not show the Veteran's knee disabilities manifested with any specific criteria required for higher ratings.
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