The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to an increased rating for degenerative arthritis, left knee and service connection for depression. The veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a schedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The claim for service connection for depression was also denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records provided no evidence that the veteran's degenerative arthritis, left knee, met the criteria for a schedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code. Regarding the claim for service connection for depression, the Board noted that there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a causal nexus between the veteran's depression and either active service or a service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis, left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 23, 2002
- Citation
- 0208237
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 0208237.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right shoulders, as well as for obstructive sleep apnea. The decision also grants service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and TDIU due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a new examination to provide adequate range of motion measurements, including during flare-ups.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis in the left knee and left shoulder due to new and relevant evidence. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated.
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.