The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle strain is granted at 10%, but the appeal for a higher rating or separate ratings for instability and lateral meniscus tear of the right knee is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show marked limitation of motion in either joint, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5271 or 5258. The Veteran's symptoms were described as stiffness with minimal pain and decreased range of motion during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Strain, Right Knee Arthritis with Meniscus Tear and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2014
- Citation
- 1436843
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 1436843.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 12, 2016 to November 12, 2018 and from January 1, 2019 to July 22, 2019 due to service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition and noting the lack of credible lay statements regarding continuous symptoms since service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Persistent Depressive Disorder with Mild Alcohol Use Disorder and his service-connected Right Knee Strain, Left Ankle Strain, and Right Ankle Strain.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause incapacity requiring regular aid and attendance, and the Board has granted SMC effective March 17, 2023.
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