The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that rheumatoid arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty, its incurrence or aggravation during active duty may not be presumed, and it is not proximately due to or the result of service-connected disability. For traumatic arthritis of the right knee, a 20 percent rating was restored from the effective date of reduction. Separate ratings of 10 percent for limitation of flexion were granted for both knees. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for internal derangement of the left knee with instability was denied.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a nexus between rheumatoid arthritis and service or any service-connected disability, nor could it be presumed due to military service. For traumatic arthritis of the right knee, the criteria for restoration were met but not for an increased rating. Separate ratings of 10 percent for limitation of flexion were granted based on medical evidence showing significant joint effusions and osteophytes. The veteran's claim for internal derangement of the left knee with instability was denied as there was no indication that it was proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"rheumatoid arthritis"}, {"condition_name":"traumatic arthritis of the right knee"}, {"condition_name":"traumatic arthritis of the left knee"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

October 2, 2006

Citation

0630855

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 0630855.