The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, flexion limited to 30 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or a compensable rating for right knee residual scars. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, headaches, OSA, and hypertension were not shown in service and are not related to service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings based on ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, flexion limited to 30 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or a compensable rating for right knee residual scars.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee sprain with instability, Right knee sprain with limitation of flexion, Right knee sprain with limitation of extension, Right knee residual scarring, status/post repair of right knee injury, Acquired psychiatric disorder, Tinnitus, Headaches, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Hypertension, Lumbar strain, Left ankle Achilles tendonitis, Left knee degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20080298
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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