The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 6, 2003 for initial 30 percent ratings for service-connected bilateral knee disabilities are denied. The claim for an increased rating for the service-connected reactive bone lesion, L1 with neuralgia of the lower extremities is granted as of September 16, 2002.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were not filed prior to June 6, 2003 and there was no evidence of a claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities on a direct or secondary basis prior to that date. The effective dates can be no earlier than those already assigned as they cannot be effective prior to the date of receipt of the claims upon which service connection was granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Status-post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, Status-post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair of the right knee with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- September 21, 2009
- Citation
- 0935292
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 0935292.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
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