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.