The Board denied an initial compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee limitation of flexion, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee anterior instability.
The deciding factor: The greatest limitation of extension measured during the rating period was 5 degrees, which is associated with a noncompensable rating under the rating criteria. The greatest limitation of flexion measured during the appeal period was flexion to 44 degrees, noted in the June 2016 examination under 'repeated use over time.' There is no evidence that the Veteran has been prescribed a brace, cane, or walker for left knee instability.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee limitation of extension, left knee limitation of flexion, left knee anterior instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2024
- Citation
- 24002189
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 granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for adjustment disorder, bilateral pes planus, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension. The Board also granted service connection for a back condition as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an initial disability rating for left knee limitation of flexion and extension, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), due to additional development necessary.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left and right knee locking, but remanded evaluations greater than 10 percent for bilateral knee limitation of flexion, limitation of extension, and scars.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance, as her service-connected disabilities did not necessitate regular assistance from another person. The claim for housebound criteria was dismissed as it had already been granted in a previous decision.
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