Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle and left knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher disability rating.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's current range of motion is within normal limits, with no significant instability or arthritis. The maximum schedular benefit under Diagnostic Code 5271 for his right ankle and Diagnostic Code 5257 for his left knee have already been assigned.

Claimed conditions
Instability of the lateral ligaments of the right ankle, status post failed reconstructive surgery, Status post chondromalacia of the patella and medial meniscectomy of the left knee
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
November 10, 2009
Citation
0942911

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 0942911.

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.

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.