The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating due to the lack of evidence showing flexion limited to 16-30 degrees or extension limited to 15-19 degrees.,Similarly, the Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board concludes that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the same reasons as above.,The Veteran's service-connected back disability is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating due to the lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, or unfavorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's service-connected right ring finger disability is currently rated at 0 percent and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the absence of metacarpal resection as noted in the medical records.,Regarding the secondary service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea, the Board concludes that there is no evidence to support finding that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service or is otherwise related to his service-connected PTSD.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s left and right knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the lack of specific findings of flexion limited to 16-30 degrees or extension limited to 15-19 degrees, which are required for ratings in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260.,The Veteran’s back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, or unfavorable ankylosis, which are required for ratings in excess of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5237.,The Veteran's right ring finger disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the absence of metacarpal resection as noted in the medical records.,There is no evidence to support finding that the Veteran’s sleep apnea began during active service or is otherwise related to his service-connected PTSD.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Left Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (left knee)"}, {"condition_name":"Right Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (right knee)"}, {"condition_name":"Lower Back Muscle Pain (back)"}, {"condition_name":"Fracture in the Right Fourth Finger (right ring finger)"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 24, 2019

Citation

19180747