The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his left knee disability, as there was no ankylosis or instability noted. Service connection was also denied for chest pain and a boil on the chest due to lack of clear evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were found to be consistent with normal anatomical damage without significant functional loss or pathology, thus not warranting higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes. Additionally, there was no clear evidence connecting his current conditions to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Knee, Left Ankle Disorder, Right Great Toe Disorder, Chest Pain, Boil on Chest
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2009
- Citation
- 0941927
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 0941927.
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 left knee instability and limitation of extension associated with degenerative joint disease are rated at 20 percent from June 14, 2010 to January 11, 2016.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Board finds that additional evidence and a new medical opinion are needed to properly assess the severity of the Veteran's condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder disorders, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral knee disorders, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's IBS has been granted a 30 percent initial disability rating. Service connection was denied for other claimed conditions.
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