The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his left knee disorder, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the veteran's condition.
The deciding factor: The veteran's left knee disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation as it did not produce moderate impairment of the knee or ankylosis, nor did it cause moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The symptoms were primarily pain and mild edema with x-ray evidence of benign periosteal thickening and joint space narrowing.
- Claimed conditions
- patella fracture, osteoarthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2002
- Citation
- 0200558
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 0200558.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating reductions for lateral instability of the right knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee, so these issues are dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and a higher disability rating for chronic scalp folliculitis. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations as needed.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and osteoarthritis of the right knee as there was no credible evidence to support an in-service incurrence or aggravation of any of these conditions.
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