The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his left knee ACL tear and service connection for a neck disability were both denied by the Board. The left knee condition is currently rated at 10%.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the current cervical spondylosis was not caused or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms from service to the present and the Veteran's STRs do not show any chronic neck disability. The left knee ACL tear does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, neck disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 14, 2019
- Citation
- 19185546
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 service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death, as an appellant's claim does not survive their death.
- Denied
The Veteran was awarded service connection for allergic rhinitis based on the PACT Act, but an earlier effective date prior to August 10, 2022, is not warranted.
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