Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for right knee and diabetes mellitus was denied. The RO has combined a 50 percent rating for status post internal derangement of the right knee with residuals and degenerative changes, and a 20 percent rating for instability of the right knee, resulting in a total combined rating of 60 percent.

The deciding factor: The veteran's right knee disability is already rated at its maximum under the applicable diagnostic codes. The RO found that his current employment as a deputy sheriff did not interfere with his ability to work due to his knee condition.

Claimed conditions
Status post internal derangement, right knee, with residuals and degenerative changes, instability of right knee, Diabetic neuropathy of right foot
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
July 7, 2005
Citation
0518544

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 0518544.

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.

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.