The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella and right ankle closed fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or impairment, as there was no objective evidence of limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms, including pain and swelling, were noted but did not result in marked limitation of motion, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5271 and 5003.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee chondromalacia patella, Right ankle closed fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20060448
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20060448.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Whole decision: Partly granted
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a new examination is needed for the Veteran's knee and hearing loss disabilities, as well as an expanded psychiatric disability claim. The claims are being remanded to allow for these examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of February 9, 2009. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities prior to February 29, 2012.
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