The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right elbow gout with arthritis and limitation of flexion was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion, as the Veteran had pain-free range of motion in excess of 90 degrees.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence demonstrated relatively pain-free right elbow flexion in excess of 90 degrees, which is already reflected in the current 20% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5017-5206.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Elbow Gout with Arthritis and Limitation of Flexion, Right Shoulder Gout, Right Wrist Gout with Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19132909
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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