The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee condition, shrapnel wound scars of the legs, and intestinal obstruction residuals from an appendectomy. The evidence did not support higher ratings based on current disability levels.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the veteran's conditions were stable with no new or worsening symptoms, and they did not meet the criteria for higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Internal derangement, right knee, Shrapnel wound scars of the right and left legs, Intestinal obstruction, residuals of an appendectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2003
- Citation
- 0332307
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 0332307.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and inconsistencies in the Veteran's medical records regarding his right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination in June 2017, and a new examination is required to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee internal derangement and degenerative joint disease, as well as left knee strain, are not rated higher than the current 20 percent.
- Denied
The VA denied an increased disability rating for the veteran's service-connected right knee internal derangement, finding that it did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.
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