The veteran's request for an increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the right knee with post-operative arthroscopy, medial plica syndrome and patella tendinitis was denied. The claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee as secondary to the service-connected right knee condition was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that there was no evidence of a separate compensable limitation of motion in the right knee, which would allow for a separate rating based on arthritis. The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee as secondary to his service-connected right knee condition was denied.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the right knee with post-operative arthroscopy, medial plica syndrome and patella tendinitis, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 5, 2001
- Citation
- 0115490
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 0115490.
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 claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The issues on appeal are remanded for further clarification of a December 2022 VA knee and lower leg conditions examination.
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