The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current and historical severity of the Veteran's conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's range of motion in his joints was within the limits allowed by the applicable diagnostic codes, and there was no additional functional loss due to pain or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of left ankle talus fracture, Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, limitation of flexion, Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, limitation of extension, Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, limitation of flexion, Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, limitation of extension, Left knee meniscal tear, anterior cruciate ligament tear, and tibia fracture, Left lateral and medial knee scars, Left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25027267
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.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for a right ankle disorder. Other claims were denied or remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities alone were of such nature and severity to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
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