The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for traumatic arthritis of his left knee and right ankle, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The clinical findings on VA examinations showed full or nearly full range of motion in both knees with no effusion, locking, subluxation, instability, or additional functional loss due to pain during flare-ups. The veteran's symptoms were primarily described as chronic pain and occasional sensations of buckling.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the left knee, Traumatic arthritis of the right ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2003
- Citation
- 0332102
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 0332102.
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: Partly granted
The Veteran was granted ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as special monthly compensation and TDIU.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's use of his VA-issued left knee brace for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left knee is causing wear and tear on his clothing, leading to frequent replacements. The Board has granted a clothing allowance for 2013 based on this issue.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle arthritis and any right calf disability. The cases will be reviewed again with a focus on assessing the current severity of these conditions and determining if they are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of February 10, 2003 for the award of a TDIU on a schedular basis. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 20, 2009 is remanded.
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