The Veteran's initial rating for left knee strain and right knee strain is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain is granted at 20 percent effective from August 1, 2022.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that during the period on appeal, the Veteran's left and right knee strain disabilities are characterized by limited extension (left knee: 10 degrees; right knee: 10 degrees), which is already reflected in their current 10 percent ratings.,For his right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, the evidence shows moderate limitation of motion with additional loss of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion due to repetitive use and flares.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain, Right Knee Strain, Right Ankle Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain, Left Foot Stress Fracture Residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26009740
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 A26009740.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability rating from 10% to 30%, effective July 1, 2025, finding that the reduction was improper and constituted a de facto severance of service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle, bilateral knee, and left hip disability. The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for left thigh strain with limitation of flexion is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
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