The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected left leg and knee disabilities, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the veteran's left leg disability was not more disabling than an amputation at the middle of the thigh, resulting in a maximum 60% evaluation. The knee impairment did not warrant additional compensation as it could be attributed to postoperative residuals and existing service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Left leg GSW injury, Degenerative joint disease of left knee, Torn medial meniscus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 22, 2005
- Citation
- 0517018
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 0517018.
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 due to inadequate examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disorder. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition originated during service or is related to any in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities due to missing records and inconsistencies in previous examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and potential increase in severity of the Veteran's right knee disability. A new VA examination is required.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and a separate rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.