The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee strain has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or arthritis. Service connection claims for left knee ligament/tendon disorder and respiratory/pulmonary disorder have also been denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which reflects limitation of extension to at most 5 degrees and flexion to at least 80 degrees. The Board found no additional functional loss beyond that contemplated in the current rating. Service connection claims were denied based on lack of evidence supporting a direct link between the conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain, Mild Arthritis of the Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2013
- Citation
- 1329350
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 1329350.
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.
- 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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