The Board denied service connection for shin splints and denied increased ratings for knee, ankle, and foot osteoarthritis. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were rated under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion) with a maximum rating of 10 percent each. Separate 10 percent ratings were granted for right and left knee instability. Separate 30 percent ratings were granted for right and left foot osteoarthritis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's shin splints did not begin during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The preponderance of evidence was against finding a relationship between his knee, ankle, and foot disabilities and service. The VA examiners' opinions supported this conclusion.
- Claimed conditions
- shin splints, knee osteoarthritis, ankle osteoarthritis with tibiotalar arthrosis, right foot osteoarthritis, left foot osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20033838
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 20033838.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and shin splints due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examination. The case is now pending with a request for a new opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary records.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left 5th metatarsal fracture, as well as secondary service connection for left foot and ankle osteoarthritis to the same condition. The decision is based on evidence that supports these claims.
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