The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee conditions and service connection for tinea pedis (athlete's foot) were denied. The claim for neurological symptoms was not addressed as it did not involve a service connection issue.,Service connection was granted for tinea pedis, with the Board finding that there is continuity of treatment since service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right knee conditions do not meet the criteria for increased ratings under the applicable rating codes. The VA examiner found no evidence of moderate instability or ankylosis.,Service connection was granted as the Veteran's tinea pedis is considered a qualifying chronic disability due to his service in the Gulf War, and there is continuity of treatment since service.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee arthritis, chondromalacia with laxity of the right knee, service connection for tinea pedis, service connection for neurological symptoms, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19185307
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 increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his active duty service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and tinnitus. The increased evaluation claim for pes planus was denied, as was the increase in rating for the right wrist fracture. The reduction of the right wrist rating from 10 percent to 0 percent was found improper, restoring the 10 percent rating.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis and a separate 30 percent or higher rating for the period from January 1, 2020, to July 23, 2025, but granted a 10 percent rating for right knee slight recurrent subluxation and lateral instability.
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