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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0332307.
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 case for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and inconsistencies in the Veteran's medical records regarding his right knee disability.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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