The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The right little finger fracture is not compensable, the right knee has a maximum schedular rating of 20 percent, and the left knee removal of symptomatic semilunar cartilage does not warrant an increase in rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings for any of the conditions as they were all rated at their maximum under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of Right Little Finger Fracture, Right Knee Limitation of Extension, Left Knee Removal of Symptomatic Semilunar Cartilage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23065717
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 23065717.
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 has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.
- Granted
The Board has granted separate ratings of 10 percent for right knee instability and limitation of extension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms do not require a prescription from a medical provider for a brace or cane.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ankle and knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 50% for right knee limitation of extension from September 1, 2023 to June 24, 2024. Other issues related to instability and locking have also been addressed.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals as untimely, and denied any extension of time to file an appeal.
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