The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the left knee, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's range of motion in the left knee was from 0 to 130 degrees and there was no functional loss due to left knee pathology. The Board determined that this did not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 5260 or DC 5261, even with consideration of 38 C.F.R. 4.40 and 4.45.
- Claimed conditions
- patellofemoral pain syndrome, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2004
- Citation
- 0403775
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 0403775.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of a right knee meniscal tear to include degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's in-service injury led to his current condition.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent disabling for the Veteran's right shoulder, effective November 22, 2011.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain, based on the Veteran's consistent account of having low back problems since service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated during active service.
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