The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of the right patella and residuals of a fractured right clavicle with posttraumatic arthritis, finding that the evidence did not support higher schedular ratings based on current functional impairment or limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Board found no objective medical evidence demonstrating instability in the appellant's knee, which is required for separate ratings under VA guidelines. The existing rating adequately reflects the severity and nature of his right knee disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- chondromalacia of the right patella, residuals of a fractured right clavicle with posttraumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2003
- Citation
- 0321744
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0321744.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examination reports and issues of bilateral knee instability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee patella and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The Veteran was previously notified that his failure to report would result in denial of his claim, but he has not withdrawn his appeal or provided written notice of withdrawal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the right patella with degenerative changes and instability, and for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the left patella due to inadequate VA examination findings.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right patella and entitlement to TDIU due to conflicting evidence regarding flare-ups, instability, and functional loss. The case is also remanded for an updated examination.
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