The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation due to the lack of limitation of flexion or extension that would warrant an additional compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s current range of motion for his left knee, with consideration of pain, does not meet the criteria for a separate, compensable evaluation under DCs 5260 and 5261. The Veteran's functional use of the left knee in flexion and extension is sufficient to warrant only a non-compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (left knee), Tendinitis (left knee)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2010
- Citation
- 1000222
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1000222.
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 ratings for left and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted, with separate 10% evaluations for instability. The effective date is not specified as the issue was not addressed in this decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's knee disabilities, including their severity and any associated neurological manifestations. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to provide updated findings on his service-connected bilateral knee conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for limitation of motion, and instability. A separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage has been granted.,The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated based on limitation of motion, but a separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage is now in effect.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was denied. He is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, with separate ratings for slight instability and symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.
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.