The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left knee tendonitis status post cruciate ligament repair, and left ankle disability status post ligament repair have been denied. The evidence did not show the required functional loss or ankylosis to warrant higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The objective findings did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less, limitation of motion in the knee that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261, nor was there evidence of ankylosis or IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Left knee tendonitis status post cruciate ligament repair, Left ankle disability status post ligament repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19131987
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 Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and service connection for major depressive disorder, among other issues. The decision also remanded several claims for further development.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, but granted a 40 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of December 28, 2012, but no earlier.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation from May 5, 2019.
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