The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and left knee conditions, as well as his right ankle condition. The RO assigned initial 10 percent ratings under DCs 5260 (limitation of flexion) and 5261 (limitation of extension) for each affected joint.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's clinical records did not provide sufficient evidence to support a higher rating based on the severity of his knee and ankle conditions, as they were characterized as having mild degenerative changes without significant instability or subluxation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Medial Meniscal Tear, Right Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Medial Meniscal Tear, Right Ankle Anterior Talo-Faibular Sprain with Mild Degenerative Changes and Mortise Narrowing
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2011
- Citation
- 1142987
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 1142987.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are remanded due to inadequate examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease resulted in functional loss due to pain, instability, and required the use of a walker. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 0 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran met the schedular requirements for a TDIU from July 27, 2007.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate 10 percent rating effective July 25, 2010. The claim for PTSD and the right knee conditions are denied.
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