The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and increased evaluations for chondromalacia of the left knee, right knee, arthralgia of the left knee, and arthralgia of the right knee. The post-operative excision of loose body, right shoulder, with arthralgia is also rated at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service records show a history of migraines since 1989, which were diagnosed in service and continue to this day. For the knees, the Board found that the veteran has moderate impairment due to pain, instability, and functional loss, warranting separate evaluations for chondromalacia (20 percent) and arthralgia (40 percent). The right shoulder condition is also rated at 40 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine headaches, Chondromalacia of the left knee, Chondromalacia of the right knee, Arthralgia of the left knee, Arthralgia of the right knee, Post-operative excision of loose body, right shoulder, with arthralgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 27, 2000
- Citation
- 0033696
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 0033696.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the service connection for various conditions and the propriety of a rating reduction has been withdrawn by the Appellant.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 20 percent rating for left knee chondromalacia under Diagnostic Code 5258, effective January 4, 2001.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and migraine headaches, but remanded the claims for a low back disability and related radiculopathies.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.