The Veteran's degenerative joint disease, to include chondromalacia patella of both knees is manifested by complaints of pain; objectively, flexion of both knees is to no worse than 110 degrees and extension of both knees is to no worse than 0 degrees.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the next-higher 30 percent evaluation for either knee based on flexion or extension limitations. Pain has been accounted for in the current ratings, and there is no additional functional limitation after repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the right knee, Chondromalacia patella of the right knee, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Chondromalacia patella of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2009
- Citation
- 0909980
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 remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee based on the evidence showing limitation of flexion to 135 degrees and extension to 5 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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