The VA denied an increased rating for right knee instability and a higher initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The veteran's conditions were rated based on their direct service connection without any presumption or exposure basis.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate severe impairment due to instability or functional impairment comparable to leg flexion limited to 45 degrees or leg extension limited to 10 degrees, which are required for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee, Right Knee Instability (Post-Lateral Arthrotomy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2002
- Citation
- 0208893
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 0208893.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, from April 1, 2011, but no earlier.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee was reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent. The Board has now restored the original 30 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to failure to provide proper notice and scheduling of a VA examination.
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.