The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 20 percent effective April 7, 2009 for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint. The Veteran's left ankle disability has been manifested by moderate limitation of motion throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his left knee or left ankle disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on instability (Diagnostic Code 5257) or ankylosis (Diagnostic Code 5259). The Veteran's left ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis (Diagnostic Code 5270) or malunion of the tibia and fibula (Diagnostic Code 5262).,The Veteran's headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on frequency or severity, warranting a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8100.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee disability, left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 21, 2014
- Citation
- 1446576
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 1446576.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2012 VA examination for the Veteran's left knee disability, and a new addendum opinion is needed.
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