The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for sleep apnea, throat surgery residuals, and left knee disability prior to June 15, 2009 were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran had significantly shortened and tightened soft palate due to his UPPP in 1992, but no thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy. For left knee disability prior to June 15, 2009, the evidence showed pain and restricted flexion without limitation to 45 degrees or less, extension not limited, no subluxation, lateral instability, episodes of 'locking', pain and effusion into the joint, nonunion of the tibia and fibula requiring a brace, malunion of the tibia and fibula with marked or moderate knee disability, or genu recurvatum.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of Throat Surgery, Left Knee Disability (Chondromalacia with Degenerative Changes)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2012
- Citation
- 1224465
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 1224465.
What this means for you
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