The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee and elbow conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on limitation of motion, and there is no additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, or incoordination. The left ulnar neuropathy does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not involve severe incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ulnar neuropathy with degenerative changes of the 5th digit, Left knee degenerative joint disease with retained shrapnel, Right knee degenerative joint disease prior to April 12, 2012, Right knee degenerative joint disease from April 12, 2012, Left elbow strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1541758
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 1541758.
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
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