The Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle disabilities were rated at 10 percent effective May 23, 2008. The Board found that the increase in disability was not ascertainable prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The earliest date of an increase in disability for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and ankle disabilities is May 23, 2008, as there is no evidence showing a pre-May 23, 2008 increase in disability that would warrant earlier effective dates.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis with bursitis and iliotibial band syndrome of the right knee, Bursitis and iliotibial band syndrome of the left knee, Right ankle instability, Left ankle instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1700888
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 1700888.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's right ankle disability, including instability and tendonitis, is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of marked limited motion or other significant impairment.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle instability and secondary service connection for a right ankle scar. The decision also readjudicates the claim of service connection for the right ankle scar.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to issues with the rating assigned for right ankle instability and arthritis. The Veteran's symptoms have been found to significantly impact his ability to use his ankle, requiring a brace and cane.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected HIV and related conditions have resulted in the effective loss of use of his left foot, meeting the criteria for automobile or adaptive equipment eligibility.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.