The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left knee and history of meniscectomy of the left knee with instability were denied due to a lack of evidence supporting his appeal, as he failed to report for scheduled VA examination without good cause.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the current disability levels did not warrant higher ratings based on the objective medical evidence available, and the veteran's failure to cooperate by failing to attend the scheduled examination deprived the Board of critical clarifying medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the left knee, history of meniscectomy of the left knee with instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2009
- Citation
- 0903494
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for the lower right leg strain prior to February 7, 2022, and denied a higher rating. The claims for increased ratings were remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a respiratory condition, restless leg syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, tension headaches, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and generalized anxiety disorder with unspecified mood disorder and alcohol use disorder. The claims for chronic sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and lumbosacral strain were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left sciatica and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, as both conditions were found to be caused by service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities for a new VA examination and etiological opinion due to inadequate previous opinions.
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