The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left knee conditions, finding that the current ratings of 10 percent are appropriate.
The deciding factor: The RO found that the veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as there is no evidence of instability or severe arthritis in either condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Left Knee, Removal of Semilunar Cartilage (Meniscectomy), Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2002
- Citation
- 0204104
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 0204104.
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 Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The issues include Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Insomnia, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Left Knee, DJD of the Right Knee, and Hypothyroidism.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, specifically degenerative joint disease, has been rated at 30 percent since February 20, 2009. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his condition as of January 2, 2004, with total knee replacement and associated limitations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on instability, painful motion, or degenerative arthritis.
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.