The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a right acromioclavicular joint separation was denied.,The reduction from 20 to 10 percent rating for residuals of a left ankle osteochondral fracture was found improper, and the 20 percent rating is restored as of April 1, 2015. The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left ankle osteochondral fracture remains denied.,The Veteran's service connection claim for left knee osteoarthritis was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or other specific impairment that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran’s right shoulder had some limitation of motion, but it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The reduction in the left ankle osteochondral fracture rating was improper as there was no evidence of improvement in the Veteran's ability to function in ordinary conditions of life and work as of April 1, 2015. The 20 percent rating is restored.,There was no new or material evidence presented that would support reopening the service connection claim for left knee osteoarthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right acromioclavicular joint separation, Left ankle osteochondral fracture, Left knee osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20078392
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 20078392.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and left knee, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to potential toxic exposure in service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis rating was restored to 40%, and an effective date of July 26, 2013, for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was granted. The intermediate rate SMC effective date also aligns with this date.
- Denied
The January 17, 2013 rating decision denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran could not return to his previous employment as a plumber, he was capable of sedentary employment and therefore had not established clear and unmistakable error in denying his TDIU claim.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed because the July 3, 2024, Rating Decision only proposed to combine ratings for bilateral shin splints and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran did not properly identify issues he was appealing.
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