The Veteran's service-connected right ankle, right knee laxity, left knee laxity, right knee chronic strain, and left knee DJD disabilities are all denied as the evidence does not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s right ankle disability is manifested by limitation of motion without ankylosis, his right knee laxity and left knee laxity are both manifested by slight instability, and his right knee chronic strain and left knee DJD are both manifested by pain and limited flexion. These findings do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Recurrent right ankle sprain and avulsion fracture with degenerative joint disease and instability (a right ankle disability)"}, {"condition_name":"Right knee laxity"}, {"condition_name":"Left knee laxity"}, {"condition_name":"Right knee chronic strain"}, {"condition_name":"Left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20003757
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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