The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee disorder was rated as 10 percent disabling due to pain with movement, but there was no evidence of flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or extension limited to 15 degrees or more during flare-ups or with repeated use over time. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23000206
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, but granted an increased rating of 40 percent for a low back disability (intervertebral disc syndrome) and 20 percent for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for left and right knee strains, granted separate 10 percent ratings for painful, noncompensable limitation of flexion of the knees, granted service connection for back condition and related radiculopathies, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right shoulder condition.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating of 50 percent from July 28, 2023. Other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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