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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26009740.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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