The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support evaluations greater than 20 percent for status post arthroscopy with arthrotomy of the right knee or a noncompensable evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The VA has also denied an increase in rating for chondromalacia and arthritis of the left knee, finding that the evidence does not support evaluations greater than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's right knee disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5257 (for slight impairment) or 5260/5261 (for limitation of flexion and extension), as there was no evidence of more than moderate impairment. For his left knee, the VA found that the veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5257 or 5260/5261 due to the presence of degenerative joint disease and meniscus tears, but no evidence of instability.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Arthroscopy and Arthrotomy of the Right Knee, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee, Chondromalacia and Arthritis of the Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2001
- Citation
- 0111685
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 0111685.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 30 percent for the period beginning February 2, 2024. The rating was denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate medical examination reports in his previous case. The AOJ is instructed to arrange a new right knee examination, considering the Veteran's incarceration status.
- Denied
The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, from April 1, 2011, but no earlier.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.