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Denied

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his residuals of rib fractures is denied. His current disability picture does not meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5321, as it is characterized by moderate muscle disability.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's residuals of rib fractures are currently evaluated as noncompensable (0%) due to their characterization as a moderate muscle disability. The evidence does not support a finding that the disabilities more nearly approximate the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5321, which is reserved for moderately severe or severe muscle group injuries.

Claimed conditions
Right knee chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease, Residuals of fractured ribs
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
August 25, 2015
Citation
1536212

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 1536212.

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