The Veteran's left knee strain results in ongoing pain and swelling, with flexion limited to 120 degrees. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain is denied. Service connection for right ankle disability (right ankle sprain) and left foot disability (left foot sprain) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records indicate he was treated for left foot pain without injury in June 1978, which resulted in a diagnosis of cellulitis with chigger bite. He also had ankle injuries during service. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other associated functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee strain, right ankle disability (sprain), left foot disability (sprain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19157499
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 19157499.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to untimely filing of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, shin splints of the right leg, and shin splints of the left leg are being remanded due to a failure to obtain VA examinations and medical nexus opinions.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluations for left knee strain, limitation of extension and flexion were both denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the merits as they have no jurisdiction.
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