The Veteran's service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their severity alone, as other nonservice-connected conditions also contribute significantly to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone result in unemployability. Other nonservice-connected disabilities such as cardiovascular complications and morbid obesity are more significant contributors to his inability to work than his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle arthritis, Right knee arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1434799
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 1434799.
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 ankle disability, which includes arthritis and tendonitis, is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent for the entire appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right leg/knee condition is related to service, including a preexisting condition. The Veteran provided testimony and new medical records that may be relevant.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis. The claims for PTSD and radiculopathy are remanded.
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