The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any findings consistent with higher ratings for the Veteran’s bilateral knee disabilities, including ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, removal of symptomatic meniscus, impairment of semilunar cartilage, limitation of flexion and extension, or malunion of the tibia and fibula.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074393
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating and special monthly compensation due to outstanding medical records, inconsistent examination findings, and the need for additional evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board replaced the current 10 percent rating for service-connected left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints (left knee disability) under Diagnostic Code 5260, with a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5261. A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the same condition was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board granted the readjudication of the character of discharge and found that the Appellant's other than honorable discharge was not a bar to VA benefits. The claims for compensation for various conditions were remanded for further adjudication.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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