The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5259, and his varicose veins of the left leg warrant a 40 percent rating effective January 12, 1998. The veteran's claim for increased ratings is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran has had a history of knee surgery with residual tenderness but no instability or subluxation. His range of motion is within normal limits except for extension to 0 degrees and flexion to 135 degrees, which does not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 4.71a, 5260, and 5261.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of Left Knee, Left Knee Meniscectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 19, 2003
- Citation
- 0313358
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 0313358.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back condition due to new evidence showing ongoing back pain since service. The left knee arthritis claims are remanded as additional evidence indicates worsening and recent surgery.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disability is denied. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment based on his educational and occupational background.
- Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and back disability have been rated at the maximum available under VA regulations, with no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings.,For her lower extremity radiculopathy, a separate rating is granted from January 31, 2014 to June 13, 2016; however, a higher rating is denied after that period.
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.