The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's bilateral knee and left elbow disabilities, finding that the current 10 percent ratings adequately compensate the Veteran for his functional limitations.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating as the Veteran's flexion was limited to 130 degrees with normal extension, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 5260. The Board also found that the current ratings adequately compensated the Veteran for his functional limitations due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- limitation of flexion of the left knee, limitation of flexion of the right knee, limitation of flexion of the left elbow
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25035697
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 remands the issues of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for limitation of flexion and extension of the left knee, as well as an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee postoperative synovitis and degenerative arthritis, due to insufficient evidence.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates related to various left and right hip, knee, shoulder, and other conditions as they were freestanding claims not continuously pursued from the initial rating decisions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for right knee conditions due to insufficient medical evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for limitation of flexion and a 10 percent rating for instability, but denied an increased rating for limitation of extension.
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