The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left and right knees, as well as thoracic spondylosis, were evaluated at a 10 percent rating since November 1, 2003. The Board found that these conditions did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities and thoracic spondylosis had ranges of motion within the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5260, 5261, and 5242. There was no evidence of instability or additional functional loss due to pain or other symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee, Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee, Thoracic Spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0913620
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 0913620.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, hypertension as secondary to PTSD is granted, and the Veteran is granted TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD. Osteoarthritis of the right knee is not related to service, but she is granted SMC due to her service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, including from patellofemoral syndrome to osteoarthritis and subsequent surgeries, warrants a rating of 60 percent since March 29, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disability and osteoarthritis of the left knee due to a lack of recent VA examinations, which may have provided updated information on the severity of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.
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.